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Independent practice associations in New Zealand: a study of governance structures and process
Anthony Kriechbaum1, Peter Crampton, Anthony Dowell
1Department of Public Health, Wellington School of Medicine. ajk@man.rnzcgp.org.nz
Aims:
To describe the governance structures and processes of four primary care organisations (PCOs) and to evaluate member general practitioners' (GPs) perceptions of the effectiveness of these structures and processes.
Methods:
A sample of four PCOs was chosen in 1999, including three independent practitioner associations (IPAs), and a member organisation of CareNet. The chief executive officer of each PCO was interviewed, and the 245 member practitioners were surveyed with a written questionnaire.
Results:
The response rate to the GP survey was 78.4%. A two tier governance structure was identifiable for all four PCOs: policy board or steering committee, and working committees. In addition each utilised a peer group review process to provide input to some administrative functions. The CareNet PCO emphasised reduced bureaucracy and a loose administrative structure and process. There was a high level of respondent satisfaction (>90%) with their PCO governance processes.
Conclusions:
Governance structures and processes have developed within the four PCOs that reflect the needs of member practitioners and according to the requirements of each district and PCO membership. A high level of member satisfaction with their PCO, its governance and processes, was evident.