Total partnership for primary health care provision: a proposed model--Part II

This is the second part in a paper which studied the dynamics of primary health care provision. This paper examines external factors related to the management of General Practices. The study revealed that there are major problems at GP/FHSA interfaces involving poor communications, needs evaluation and understanding, and the lack of teamwork. The paper argues that attempts by FHSAs in terms of initiatives are so far failing and have not effectively been able to build strong partnerships between the parties concerned. The paper concludes by proposing a Model of Total Partnership for effective primary health care provision. The model suggests that structures need to be modified in a horizontal way, focusing on patients and building a collaborative way between FHSAs and GPs in a seamless fashion. The model is based on Total Quality Management (TQM) principles and is represented by the building of a customer-supplier chain, the spirit of continuous improvement and synergy through teamwork with the ultimate goal of Total Patient Satisfaction.