Can we understand partnerships in general practice? A pilot study

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.