Family Practice Vol. 13, No. 2, 152-155
© Oxford University Press 1996
research-article |
Can we understand partnerships in general practice? A pilot study
Centre for Health Services Research, University of Newcastle upon Tyne Newcastle, UK
*Division of Employment Studies, Unversity of Northum-bria Newcastle, UK
Correspondence to J Soutter at 21 Claremont Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AA, UK
BACKGROUND: Partnerships have been investigated in different professions, but other than identifying problems, little work has been carried out on general practice.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this present study was to develop methods for studying partnerships in general practice.
METHOD: A tripartite methodological approach was used, with questionnaires adapted from other instruments in use in other professions, followed by an individual interview with each partner, and non-participant observation at a partnership meeting. Results for one case-study partnership are given.
RESULTS: There were no major differences between the partners on all dimensions measured; the minor differences indicated by the results of the questionnaires were corroborated by the partner interviews and observations.
CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the use of such techniques could provide support to partnerships going through significant periods of change.
Keywords. General practice, interview, observation, partnerships, questionnaire.