Communities of Practice

SA Health has Communities of Practice supported by Health Networks that have been operational since 2016 having transitioned from the previous SA Health Clinical Network strategy implemented in 2007.

The Communities of Practice have representatives from relevant health professionals, health organisations, and consumers who work collaboratively to provide leadership and clinical service development across specialty areas of healthcare.

The Communities of Practice aim to coordinate better delivery of services, improve health outcomes for South Australians and ensure a strong, sustainable health workforce by increasing the uptake of evidence based practice that addresses statewide priorities and aligns with professional standards.

Consumer and community engagement is integral to the role of the Communities of Practice.

Within a statewide approach the Communities of Practice:

  • Support evidence based outcomes in the development and review of policies, standards, guidelines, service capabilities and models of care. 
  • Support planning, education, deployment and development of the relevant clinical workforce.
  • Aim to address the specific needs of the Aboriginal, culturally and linguistically diverse, disadvantaged and young women and their newborns.

Benefits

The benefit of Communities of Practice is that they bring together people from a range of health services and care providers to address common issues to improve the quality and efficiencies of care.