Community participation in primary care: what does it mean 'in practice'?

The New Zealand 2001 Primary Health Care Strategy requires primary health organisations (PHOs) to involve communities in their governance and be responsive to communities' needs. It is less clear what the implications of this policy are for general practices. This paper presents key findings from a national study undertaken in the wake of the 2001 primary care reforms on the purpose and process of involving communities in primary health care.

A three-part qualitative process was employed. Initially, key informant interviews were undertaken with a diverse range of primary care policy makers, funders, practitioners and community stakeholders (n=42). A draft framework for involving communities in primary care was developed, and formed the basis of a consultation phase (n=26). The framework was further developed and then piloted in four PHOs around New Zealand.

Views on community participation varied among different stakeholder groups in the sector. Most described it as a complex process of relationship-building over time, and one that is quite distinct from consumer feedback processes in general practice. For community representatives, it was a process of trust-building and information-sharing between communities and health professionals. These relationships enabled people to feel comfortable seeking care, and professionals to mould services to people's needs.

This research highlights that community is much more than a setting of care. As citizens, members of disadvantaged communities are partners with general practices and PHOs, working with them to improve health equity by ensuring that services are responsive to their needs.