Full bibliography

Study topic
Design of a cross-agency integrated care initiative for vulnerable families in Sydney, informed by realist causal and programme theory.

Study type
Design study using critical realist methodology and collaborative planning.

Key findings

• The initiative aimed to meet complex health and social needs of vulnerable families, improve safety, and foster social connection.
• Design elements included shared intake, care coordination, general practice engagement, evidence-informed practice, and place-based initiatives.
• HealthPathways Sydney tools were used to support primary care referral pathways.
• A Theory of Change logic model was developed to guide implementation and evaluation.
• The initiative emphasized trust-building, power-sharing, and interagency collaboration to address social determinants and break intergenerational cycles of disadvantage.