Exploration of approaches to monitoring Community Orientated Primary Care (COPC) implementation
1
Valkenberg Hospital, Western Cape Government: Health and Wellness, Observatory, South Africa
2
Family Medicine and Primary Care, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
3
Metro Health Services, Western Cape Government: Health and Wellness, Cape Town, South Africa
4
Health Systems and Public Health, Dept of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1727
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Several strategies have been suggested to re-engineer PHC, including a focus on community orientated primary care (COPC) in South Africa. Various studies described the implementation of COPC in South Africa¹,²,³ and greater sub-Saharan Africa4 and the effectiveness thereof, but none were found on the monitoring frameworks for COPC implementation. The aim of the study was to explore approaches to monitor COPC implementation.
METHODS:
An exploratory qualitative design was used to investigate possible approaches and indicators for the monitoring of COPC implementation. Forty-eight experts in the field of COPC implementation in South Africa were identified and were invited to participate in the study. Purposive sampling with maximum variation was used to ensure that a diversity of participants was invited: those involved in COPC research, policy makers, service managers and implementers. Interviews were conducted via MS Teams, recorded and lasted approximately an hour. Interviews were transcribed verbatim by a transcriber and checked against the recordings by the researcher. Thematic data analysis was used by applying the framework method (Gale, Heath, Cameron, Rashid, Redwood: 2013).
RESULTS:
Twelve semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with a diverse age, gender and years of experience profile. The role distribution was as follows: implementer (n=3; 25%) service manager (n=4; 33%); policy maker (n=3; 25%) and researchers (n=2; 17%). A key finding was limited knowledge of and lack of coherent approaches to monitoring COPC implementation. Key criteria for a tool that were identified related to monitoring indicators that are context specific; community participation and engagement; stakeholder engagement; whole government approach and a tool that allows for monthly, quarterly and annual monitoring of identified indicators.
CONCLUSIONS:
Monitoring COPC implementation is under-developed and requires a further research and pilot testing.
Several strategies have been suggested to re-engineer PHC, including a focus on community orientated primary care (COPC) in South Africa. Various studies described the implementation of COPC in South Africa¹,²,³ and greater sub-Saharan Africa4 and the effectiveness thereof, but none were found on the monitoring frameworks for COPC implementation. The aim of the study was to explore approaches to monitor COPC implementation.
METHODS:
An exploratory qualitative design was used to investigate possible approaches and indicators for the monitoring of COPC implementation. Forty-eight experts in the field of COPC implementation in South Africa were identified and were invited to participate in the study. Purposive sampling with maximum variation was used to ensure that a diversity of participants was invited: those involved in COPC research, policy makers, service managers and implementers. Interviews were conducted via MS Teams, recorded and lasted approximately an hour. Interviews were transcribed verbatim by a transcriber and checked against the recordings by the researcher. Thematic data analysis was used by applying the framework method (Gale, Heath, Cameron, Rashid, Redwood: 2013).
RESULTS:
Twelve semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with a diverse age, gender and years of experience profile. The role distribution was as follows: implementer (n=3; 25%) service manager (n=4; 33%); policy maker (n=3; 25%) and researchers (n=2; 17%). A key finding was limited knowledge of and lack of coherent approaches to monitoring COPC implementation. Key criteria for a tool that were identified related to monitoring indicators that are context specific; community participation and engagement; stakeholder engagement; whole government approach and a tool that allows for monthly, quarterly and annual monitoring of identified indicators.
CONCLUSIONS:
Monitoring COPC implementation is under-developed and requires a further research and pilot testing.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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