Can we understand partnerships in general practice? A pilot study.

Abstract

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.