Canadian Experts' Views on the Importance of Attributes within Professional and Community-Oriented Primary Healthcare Models

Abstract

The aim of this study was to rate the importance of primary healthcare (PHC) attributes in evaluations of PHC organizational models in Canada. Using the Delphi process, we conducted a consensus consultation with 20 persons recognized by peers as Canadian PHC experts, who rated the importance of PHC attributes within professional and community-oriented models of PHC. ATTRIBUTES RATED AS ESSENTIAL TO ALL MODELS WERE DESIGNATED CORE ATTRIBUTES: first-contact accessibility, comprehensiveness of services, relational continuity, coordination (management) continuity, interpersonal communication, technical quality of clinical care and clinical information management. Overall, while all were important, non-core attributes - except efficiency/productivity - were rated as more important in community-oriented than in professional models. Attributes rated as essential for community-oriented models were equity, client/community participation, population orientation, cultural sensitivity and multidisciplinary teams. Evaluation tools should address core attributes and be customized in accordance with the specific organizational models being evaluated to guide health reforms.