Mapping the evidence for Multipurpose Health Services in rural Australia

Rural, regional and remote communities face significant challenges in accessing health care due to their geography. The Multipurpose Health Services (MPS) program aims to provide integrated health and aged care services to regional, rural and remote communities. In this forum paper, we describe the development and current status of the MPS program, and highlight gaps in our knowledge about the MPS workforce, service delivery and health outcomes. Despite continued investment in the MPS model, a lack of targeted research limits our understanding of its impact. Further empirical studies are needed to develop an evidence base that supports optimal care delivery and sustainable workforce strategies in rural and remote communities.