We’re proud to congratulate UCRH research fellows Alison Laycock and Aunty Lynette O’Donoghue, and former UCRH director Professor Ross Bailie on the publication of their new book, Primary Health Care and Continuous Quality Improvement: An Evidence-Based Guide, released by Sydney University Press.
This important work brings together over 20 years of research and practical experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, much of it led through UCRH and long-term collaborations such CRE-STRIDE, and the work which came before it.
The book offers a practical, easy-to-follow guide for anyone working in or supporting primary health care—clinicians, health service staff, researchers, policymakers, and funders. It explains how continuous quality improvement (CQI) can be used to strengthen health systems, improve care, and support better health outcomes, especially in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
It includes real-world case studies in areas like maternal and child health, mental health, and chronic disease, and provides tools and strategies for using data to improve care. The book also highlights the importance of community leadership and culturally safe care, with a strong focus on collaboration and respect.
The authors each bring important perspectives and insights to the book. Alison Laycock is a research fellow at UCRH who has worked closely with communities and health services to develop CQI tools and training resources. Aunty Lynette O’Donoghue is a proud Yankunytjatjara and Warumungu-Warlpiri woman and a research fellow at UCRH. She has played a key role in Indigenous leadership and advocacy in health research. Professor Bailie’s work over many years has focused on improving access to quality health information and services in Aboriginal and rural communities.
The book has already received strong praise from international experts. Professor Andrew Carson-Stevens of Cardiff University called it “an important and much needed compendium of wisdom,” while Professor Lilian Dudley of Stellenbosch University noted its “many important and useful lessons for applying and improving approaches to CQI.”
Adjunct Professor Christine Connors OAM, Chief Health Officer at NT Health, reflected on the book’s practical value:
“If you are new to CQI, this book steps you through the process in clear, precise language… For more experienced practitioners, it’s a valuable resource to refresh your knowledge or use as a training tool.”
We commend Ali, Aunty Lyn, and Ross for their dedication and for creating a resource that will support better health care and stronger communities for years to come.
