A systematic review of disability, rehabilitation and lifestyle services in rural and remote Australia through the lens of the people-centred health care

Purpose The aim of this systematic review was to identify models of community disability, rehabilitation and lifestyle service delivery in non-metropolitan areas of Australia, and to describe these models through an Integrated People-Centred Health Services (IPCHS) lens. Materials and methods We identified peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and June 2021 that met the following criteria: described or evaluated a community service delivery model, intervention or program in regional, rural or remote Australia; provided for people with a disability or a potentially disabling health condition. A scoring rubric was developed covering the five IPCHS strategies. Results Nineteen studies were included in the review. We identified a range of service delivery models providing support to people with a range of disabilities or conditions. We report evidence of the use of the IPCHS strategies in ways relevant to the local context. Discussion Several strengths emerged, with many services tailored to individual need, and significant community engagement. Innovative rural service delivery approaches were also identified. Key areas requiring action included improved coordination or integration within and across professions and sectors. There was limited evidence of co-production of solutions or participatory governance. While people-centred approaches show promise to improve community-based services, large-scale fundamental change is required.

Automated summary

This systematic review aimed to identify models of community disability, rehabilitation and lifestyle service delivery in non-metropolitan areas of Australia, and revealed various service delivery models catering to different disabilities or conditions. The findings showed many services were tailored to individual needs and involved significant community engagement, with room for improvement in areas such as coordination within and across professions and sectors, and evidence of co-production of solutions or participatory governance. Promising potential was seen in people-centred approaches for improving community-based services, but significant fundamental change is necessary.