Mere Tokenism or Best Practice: The Illawarra Division of General Practice Consumer Consultative Committee

Abstract

Divisions of General Practice were set up to improve links between GPs and consumers, to develop a population health perspective in general practice, and to improve patient care. The Illawarra Division of General Practice established a consumer consultative committee as part of a broader strategy to achieve these objectives. An interview study with committee members indicates the difficulties experienced in this task and the persistence of two cultures. Various options are identified by which consumer participation might be improved as means of fostering better links, improved care and a population health perspective amongst GPs. The first step is a more sophisticated understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of current consultative arrangements.