The focus of the study is situated in future directions for the health care of NSW residents. Across the world and in Australia it has been recognised that more emphasis needs to be placed on primary care with the goal of improving health outcomes and reducing health costs and health inequities. With the need to reposition the Australian healthcare workforce in response to federal health reforms and in order to meet the primary healthcare needs of future populations a key strategy of NSW 2021 is preventive health and effective management of chronic disease. The general practice microsystem is at the forefront of service provision.

A narrative literature review technique was conducted to discuss and synthesise ideas concerning the application and enactment of learning organisation theory in Australia particularly regarding general practice microsystems. A narrative literature review offers the advantage of integrating qualitative and quantitative evidence and providing a broad coverage of issues on a topic. In order to overcome the perceived shortcomings of narrative reviews such as bias and lack of transparency, concepts investigated, search terminology used and inclusion and exclusion criteria for articles selected are carefully and succinctly explained.

A mixed method approach was chosen for the study as it incorporates the use of qualitative and quantitative strategies and results in collection of data that represents differing lenses, perspectives and viewpoints. Quantitative data collection included data from staff (administrative, nurses and doctors), practice managers and patient questionnaires while qualitative data was derived from staff and practice manager interviews.

This project was part of the APHCRI CRE in Primary Health Care Microsystem which is a collaboration between The University of Queensland, Flinders University, University of New South Wales, Greater Green Triangle University Dept. of Rural Health, Mater Health Services, and other stakeholders.