The Primary Care Practice Improvement Tool (PC-PIT) process for organisational improvement in primary care: application by Australian Primary Health Networks
Samantha J. Borg A D , Lisa Crossland A , Jo Risk B , Julie Porritt C and Claire L. Jackson AA Centre for Health System Reform and Integration, University of Queensland-Mater Research Institute, Level 8, Health Sciences Building, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Herston, Qld 4006, Australia.
B COORDINARE, South Eastern New South Wales Primary Health Network, 41 Queen Street, Moruya, NSW 2537, Australia.
C Capital Health Network, Australian Capital Territory Primary Health Network, 2/1 Geils Court, Deakin, ACT 2600, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: s.borg@uq.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 25(2) 185-191 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY18106
Submitted: 12 July 2018 Accepted: 4 January 2019 Published: 1 March 2019
Abstract
The Primary Care Practice Improvement Tool (PC-PIT) is an organisational performance improvement tool recently implemented by two Primary Health Networks (PHNs). This study explored barriers and facilitators to implementing the PC-PIT process at scale, from the initial introduction of the tool to completion of Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles with general practices. Using a qualitative design, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 PHN staff to seek feedback on the delivery of the PC-PIT to general practices. Interview results were analysed using a grounded theory approach. The identification of barriers such as difficulty engaging practices and lack of report sharing with the PHNs will help streamline future implementation. The PC-PIT was highly compatible with existing quality improvement programs and offers enhanced opportunity to support capacity building and implementation of the Health Care Home model.
Additional keywords: capacity building, primary practice, quality improvement.
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