Best Practice in Primary Health Care

Abstract

The purpose of the work reported here was to delineate the strategies of practice which are associated with excellent outcomes in contemporary primary health care in Australia, and to provide wider access to exemplary and illustrative cases. One hundred and eighty five published accounts of primary health care practice were collected and abstracted. Ninety nine of these cases were evaluated, each by a panel of two or three reviewers, and the 25 most highly rated cases were studied in more detail through interviews with the authors and other protagonists. Eight broad strategies of primary health care practice were identified which appeared to have contributed to excellent outcomes in the cases studied: consumer and community involvement; collaborative local networking; strong vertical partnerships; intersectoral collaboration; integration of the macro and micro; organisational learning; policy participation; and good management. Some of the finer elements of practice which are encompassed by each of these broad strategies and some of the dynamics through which they appear to contribute to good outcomes are delineated. Illustrative cases are cited which might serve as benchmarks to inspire and guide the wider pursuit of excellence in primary health care.