Gul, Farina and Willis, Jessica and Lassi, Zohra S. and Tessema, Gizachew A. and Mahmood, Mohammad Afzal (2026) Navigating care pathways: a case study of integrated sexual and reproductive health services at a statewide sexual and reproductive health agency in South Australia. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 32 (3).

Text Navigating care pathways.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (555kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Background: Integrated sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services are promoted globally to improve equity, continuity, and efficiency of care, although their implementation in high-income settings remains uneven. SHINE SA, a community-based organisation in South Australia, offers a community-based model integrating general practice, contraception, STI care, gender-affirming services, counselling, and outreach. This study examined how integration is operationalised within this model. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinical and non-clinical SHINE SA staff. Participants were purposively sampled to capture diverse roles and perspectives. Data were analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke�s reflexive approach. Results: Integration was supported by co-location, multidisciplinary collaboration, internal referral pathways, and a strong organisational culture oriented towards equity and inclusivity. Leadership and governance structures provided strategic direction, and shared training reinforced collaborative practice. However, participants identified persistent system constraints related to funding instability, workforce capacity, digital systems, physical infrastructure, and reliance on informal external partnerships. These factors constrained service continuity, responsiveness, and visibility across care pathways despite strong internal commitment to integrated care. Conclusions: SHINE SA�s model demonstrates how inclusive organisational culture, collaborative leadership, and co-located multidisciplinary teams can support integrated, person-centred SRH care within resource-constrained settings. Strengthening the sustainability and equity of integrated SRH services will require addressing structural barriers through financing reform, investment in interoperable digital systems and workforce capacity, and the formalisation of partnerships beyond organisational boundaries. © 2026 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of La Trobe University. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

Actions (login required)

View Item