The Association of Health Professionals

Abstract

Community health is by definition multidisciplinary, and the assumption that there is mutual respect and co-operation within these disciplines is integral to its philosophy. Many members of a community health 'team' are, however, also professionals, and as such expect to enjoy the traditional prestige and autonomy which is associated with professionalism. Nevertheless, this might be problematic, as there are ideological differences between professionalism and community health values, which is exacerbated by the number of different professions involved. The issue is further complicated by the use of modern management techniques in the public sector by contemporary governments, where the philosophies which inform these techniques can be inherently incompatible with professionalism and community health values. A degree of compromise by professionals and management must be reached if they are to coexist and function effectively in community health. The sociology of the professions and the ideologies of professionalism, community health and the organisational structures encountered in community health are reviewed here. It is suggested that greater awareness of these ideologies and their practical implications may result in more flexibility in the association of occupations which constitute community health.