A tale of two cities: Academic service, research, teaching and community practice partnerships delivering for disadvantaged Australian communities

Abstract

• An innovative team approach and integration of care across sectors, including general practices, community health services, allied health professionals and hospitals, can deliver high-quality comprehensive care in disadvantaged areas while providing teaching and research opportunities and community service. • Academic general practice departments are committed to supporting and evaluating such models. • A governance infrastructure that encourages strong prartnerships across health care sectors is essential. • With broad health partnership support, bulk-billing is viable in an Australian general practice team model providing health care to the disadvantaged.