[Primary health services, financing and research]

The capitation method of payment is presently used in five health centres in Belgium, in accordance with the 1963 health insurance law. The position of this experience in the field of primary health care, with its direct impact on concrete and subjective dimensions, implies that its evaluation, even quantitative, should rely on action research methodology. Action-research includes concern for change and involvement of concerned actors with the objectives and the field of the research. The study protocol developed by the Federation of Health Centres is presented. It proposes the parameter "mean total cost by insured person". Presently the study does not progress; reason for this are examined.