Abstract
Background:
Community/consumer health councils (CHCs) are a relatively new phenomenon in New Zealand. CHCs are usually established within district health boards (DHBs) to help address gaps in community engagement in the health sector. Little is known about the establishment, structure, roles and functioning of these councils.
Aim:
To undertake a literature review, including grey literature, related to the structure, roles and functioning of CHCs in New Zealand.
Method:
A document analysis of the New Zealand-focused website materials and newspaper articles related to CHCs was conducted. Data were analysed thematically using a qualitative content analysis approach.
Results:
The search identified 251 relevant web sources and 118 newspaper articles. The main role of the CHCs appeared to be to advise and make recommendations to their respective DHBs (and DHB governance and management structures) about health service planning, delivery and policy. All CHCs discussed in the identified sources comprised different demographic backgrounds and expertise. Although the CHCs were mainly engaged in information sharing and consultation, their influence on DHB decision-making could not be determined from the sources.
Conclusion:
This is the first study of CHCs throughout New Zealand investigating their roles, structure and type of engagement. As the concept is evolving and more CHCs are being established, this information may be useful for future CHCs. With increasing longevity of CHCs in New Zealand, future studies could usefully investigate CHCs' potential to represent the health interests of their local communities, and their influence on DHB decision-making.
Community/consumer health councils (CHCs) are a relatively new phenomenon in New Zealand. CHCs are usually established within district health boards (DHBs) to help address gaps in community engagement in the health sector. Little is known about the establishment, structure, roles and functioning of these councils.
Aim:
To undertake a literature review, including grey literature, related to the structure, roles and functioning of CHCs in New Zealand.
Method:
A document analysis of the New Zealand-focused website materials and newspaper articles related to CHCs was conducted. Data were analysed thematically using a qualitative content analysis approach.
Results:
The search identified 251 relevant web sources and 118 newspaper articles. The main role of the CHCs appeared to be to advise and make recommendations to their respective DHBs (and DHB governance and management structures) about health service planning, delivery and policy. All CHCs discussed in the identified sources comprised different demographic backgrounds and expertise. Although the CHCs were mainly engaged in information sharing and consultation, their influence on DHB decision-making could not be determined from the sources.
Conclusion:
This is the first study of CHCs throughout New Zealand investigating their roles, structure and type of engagement. As the concept is evolving and more CHCs are being established, this information may be useful for future CHCs. With increasing longevity of CHCs in New Zealand, future studies could usefully investigate CHCs' potential to represent the health interests of their local communities, and their influence on DHB decision-making.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 70-82 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Journal | New Zealand Medical Journal |
| Volume | 133 |
| Issue number | 1510 |
| Publication status | Published - 21 Feb 2020 |
| Externally published | Yes |