title: Key considerations in delivering appropriate and accessible health care for rural and remote populations: discussant overview.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide an overview of papers discussing optimal service delivery models for rural and remote Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A synthesis of overarching considerations guiding rural and remote health service policies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Small rural and remote communities in Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Invited delegates attending the Inaugural Rural and Remote Health Scientific Symposium in Brisbane 2008.
  
  
  METHODS
  Key issues underpinning health service provision for small rural and remote communities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The formulation and implementation of effective health service provision policies must be underpinned by overarching health goals, agreed health service requirements, recognition of how rural and remote health contexts impact upon health service provision and the constraints limiting health service responses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Systemic change is required in order to ensure equitable access to health care services in small rural and remote communities.
authors.affiliation: Monash University School of Rural Health, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia. john.humphreys@med.monash.edu.au
authors.forename: John S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Humphreys
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*