The Commissioning Process

¹ PHN Commissioning Framework: There are three phases in the cycle: Strategic Planning, Procuring Services and Monitoring and Evaluation.¹

• ‘Commissioning’ is a continual and iterative cycle involving the development and implementation of services based on planning, procurement, monitoring and evaluation.

• According to the Northern QLD PHN, “this strategic and collaborative process will address local health needs, service gaps, and assist in driving improvements, efficiencies and effectiveness through evidence based outcomes. (PHNs) will ensure that services are better tailored to meet the needs of local communities, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes and improving coordination care to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time.²

• The Brisbane South PHN highlights the following principles with regards to the commissioning process:

• Understand the needs of the community by engaging and consulting with consumer, carer and provider representatives, peak bodies, community organisations and other funders.

• Engage potential service providers well in advance of commissioning new services.

• Focus on outcomes rather than service models or types of interventions.

• Adopt a whole-of-system approach to meeting health needs and delivering improving health outcomes.

• Understand the fullest practical range of providers including the contribution they could make to delivering outcomes and addressing market failure and gaps.

• Co-design solutions and engage with stakeholders, including community pharmacy, to develop outcome-focused solutions.

• Consider investing in the capacity of providers and consumers, particularly in relation to vulnerable groups.

• Ensure procurement and contracting processes are transparent and fair, facilitating the involvement of the broadest range of suppliers.

• Manage through relationships and work in partnership between stakeholders.

• Develop environments high in trust through collaborative governance, shared decision-making and collective performance management.

• Ensure efficiency and value for money.

• Monitor and evaluate through regular performance reports and consumer, community and provider feedback and independent evaluation.³

More information can be found at the Department of Health’s PHN Commissioning Framework website.

¹ Department of Health. Needs Assessment Guide: December 2015. (Accessed Jan 2017) http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/98D184E26BF30004CA257F9A000718F4/$File/PHN%20Needs%20Assessment%20Guide.pdf

² Northern Queensland Primary Health Network. Commissioning and Procurement. (Accessed Jan 2017) 

³ Brisbane South Primary Health Network. What is Commissioning at BSPHN? (Accessed Mar 2021) hhttps://bsphn.org.au/about/tenders/