Not just tea and biscuits; the Gold Coast Primary Health Network process of designing, implementing and operating a Community Advisory Council

Abstract

Consumers are fast being acknowledged as a critical voice in the creation of sustainable health systems, and their ability and willingness to participate must be kept in mind by those eager to engage them. Federal health reform in Australia has mandated the formal involvement of communities in primary care through advisory committees in the newly established Primary Health Networks. Although there is clear progression towards increased consumer participation in Australia’s health services, scope exists to improve the evidence base around identifying and implementing the most appropriate approach in different settings. Gold Coast Primary Health Network has drawn on the principles of deliberative participation to design, implement and operate their Community Advisory Council. Although functioning well, further work is required to evaluate the efficiency of this approach.