Healthcare Reform and Interest Groups: Catalysts and Barriers in Rural Australia

Rural Australia has faced many economic and demographic disadvantages. Advances in medical technology and economic reforms have led to the closure or near closure of many rural hospitals. Since the late 1980s, the Australian government has increased their focus on the quality and functionality of rural health. Most notable was the development of a rural health strategy and the introduction of flexibly funded, integrated health services, otherwise known as Multipurpose Services (MPS). Healthcare Reform and Interests Groups explores the resistance that the MPS's encountered from rural health professionals and rural communities and the critical role of these communities in Australia's healthcare reform.