GPs and Practice-Based Health Promotion: An Analysis of Projects Conducted by Divisions of General Practice

Abstract

All practice-based health promotion projects conducted by Divisions of General Practice, funded in 1993 and 1994, are examined in this paper. The aims of the study are to describe their characteristics and evaluation; consider their effectiveness and appropriateness; and compare them with a sample funded in 1995 and 1996. Relevant information was analysed from project evaluation reports and summaries. Five immunisation, nine screening and 13 lifestyle counselling projects were funded in 1993-1994. The evaluation activities in these projects were variable, but the projects appeared to have desirable impacts. Evaluation findings indicate they have had high GP and consumer participation rates; lead to changes in GP knowledge and behaviour (for example, increased use of lifestyle counselling resources); and had positive impacts for consumers (for example, increases in immunisation and screening rates). Two immunisation, four screening and eight lifestyle counselling projects were funded in the second funding round in 1995 and the first in 1996. Although similar to the earlier projects, these projects often had a more systemic focus and made use of previously-developed knowledge and resources. Evaluation findings indicate that Divisional projects have increased GPs' capacity to engage in practice-based health promotion activities, and contributed to the achievement of the aims of the General Practice Strategy. Projects have improved the sophistication of their conceptualisation and design over time. Lessons from these projects point to particular policy implications for future funding arrangements, and these are discussed.