Policy Level Factors Influencing Australian Social and Health Care Place‐Based Initiatives: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT

Place‐based initiatives (PBIs) aim to address complex and intersecting forms of disadvantage shaped by health, social care, employment and geographical inequities. While PBIs offer integrated and community‐centred responses, limited evidence makes it difficult to understand the policy conditions that support their development and implementation. This scoping review examined the extent to which policy‐level factors influence PBIs in Australia, following the Arksey and O'Malley framework and drawing on academic, government and grey literature. Fifty‐three papers were included. Findings highlight the central role of governance structures, backbone teams, funding models and data systems in shaping PBI effectiveness. Strong partnerships, long‐term pooled funding and aligned reporting requirements are crucial for sustaining collaboration and enabling innovation. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, equal partnerships and self‐determination remain essential while shared accountability relies on clear roles, a common agenda and transparent information‐sharing practices. Data evaluation and embedded learning systems are also key mechanisms for demonstrating outcomes and supporting ongoing improvement. PBIs contribute to integrated care by addressing social determinants of health, but require coherent macro‐level policy supports, flexible meso‐level structures and culturally responsive approaches to enhance community capacity and strengthen place‐based outcomes.