Members of B.C. regional health boards are enthusiastic and committed to their
task despite some growing pains, according to recently released results of a
survey conducted by the Institute of Health Promotion Research (IHPR).
“The results identified points of tension between board members, the health
professions and the Ministry of Health,” says Asst. Prof. James Frankish, the
project’s principal investigator and associate director of IHPR.
Results of the 17-page survey showed most boards strongly support public
participation in health system decision making, with health promotion and
disease prevention cited as areas of greatest concern. Only about a third of
the members were satisfied with the accomplishments of their boards, however.
Survey respondents rated communication between health boards and the Ministry
of Health as inadequate overall. Members also reported varying levels of
support from stakeholders such as health professionals and special interest
groups.
The survey of 20 boards is part of a four-year project funded by the provincial
and federal governments to look at community participation in health
decisions.
“We’re looking at the tools and strategies boards use, how they communicate and
how they measure success,” says Frankish. “Our aim is to develop a framework
for understanding community participation in health decision making.”
Regional health boards were created following the 1993 health reform policy New
Directions. There are now 12 regional boards.
The survey, conducted in the fall of 1996, showed most board members have a
broad background of community involvement with high levels of previous
experience on health, social service, school or politically affiliated boards.
Survey results were presented to all regional health boards, the Ministry of
Health and various academic groups.
The IHPR expects to release the results of a second survey by early summer.
