Abstract:
OBJECTIVES To determine the current threats and opportunities facing third sector primary care providers from recent policy changes within the primary health care sector, and how these may impact on primary care accessibility for vulnerable New Zealanders. METHODS A qualitative approach was used in conjunction with a comprehensive review of the literature and review of grey literature and contemporary sources. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with six senior health sector leaders who comprised a mixture of expert health professionals, academics and health professionals involved in third sector primary care governance. LESSONS LEARNED Third sector primary care providers play an important role in the provision of primary care services to vulnerable communities in New Zealand. However, these providers are facing significant challenges from a changing policy environment. From these policy changes, threats and opportunities for these providers have emerged which may affect the progress of these organisations. These policy changes are seeing mergers between PHOs that are causing third sector organisations to lose their ability to pursue independent PHO strategy, and are eroding third sector primary health care services. The erosion of these services is of concern to senior health sector leaders. IMPLICATIONS The loss of third sector primary care providers from the primary care landscape could have serious implications for the health system. If the ability for these organisations to provide services to vulnerable communities is reduced, this raises important policy questions about how the primary care sector will need to respond to meet the needs of these communities.