Indicators for effective visiting primary care services: A case study

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the clinical utility of a model of seven principles for effective visiting primary care services and to determine how it could be conceptualised as a tool for evaluation.

Setting: The research was undertaken in the context of visiting primary care services with an agency, Outback Futures, selected as a case study.

Participants: Three executive staff with Outback Futures participated in the research.

Design: The case study design involved data collection by four group interviews conducted between July and November 2021. The interview data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: This case study is additional evidence for the clinical utility of the model of seven principles. The results reinforce the importance of a community-focussed approach to assess the impact of visiting service organisations on rural and remote communities. A comprehensive approach to evaluation is required to justify the investments made and safeguard the health and well-being of rural and remote residents. A self-assessment protocol has been established from the model for use by visiting services. Furthermore, three themes were drawn from the data: relationship is fundamental, the importance of co-design, and being effective as a visiting service is challenging.

Conclusion: The model is appropriate for the case study organisation, and has clinical utility and implications for other visiting services. A self-assessment protocol has been developed. Future research should apply the model and protocol self-assessment tool in an effort to construct a consistent and credible approach to evaluation of visiting primary care services.

Keywords: evaluation; health; outreach; remote; rural.