Evaluation of CNAHS GP Plus Networks Diabetes Action Plan development

Michael Bentley, Gwyn Jolley, Kate Biedrzycki, Julie Johns

SACHRU is conducting a process evaluation of the establishment and implementation of the Diabetes Action Plan undertaken by the GP Plus Health Networks in the Central Adelaide Health Service (CNAHS) Region.

Three Primary Health Care Networks (now known as GP Plus Health Networks) were established by CNAHS following a pilot phase funded by the SA Department of Health and evaluated by consultants from the University of Adelaide. GP Plus Health Networks reflect the broad aims of the SA Department of Health’s reform agenda: early intervention and prevention; health promotion; and chronic disease management. In the CNAHS region the networks are focusing initially on Type 2 Diabetes.

The initial focus of the evaluation is on the effectiveness of the network relationships and processes in relation to the establishment of the ‘Diabetes Action Plan’. In recognition that clinical health outcomes are likely to take several years to become apparent, the other output of the evaluation will be a model and suggested tools that can be used in the future to evaluate the impacts of the network on service delivery and client outcomes, and the effectiveness of the coordination of services between network stakeholders.

Methods include:

• Consultative meetings with the 3 local networks and the whole group
• Brief review of key relevant literature on chronic disease and networks – to provide theoretical context, appropriate approaches and assist analysis
• Document analysis – to provide historical overview of development, planning, implementation and actions
• Face to face interviews with the 3 local Network Coordinators and the Manager, Building Capacity
• Self completion questionnaires for network members and other people involved in the development of the Diabetes Action Plan.

The first phase of the evaluation will be reported in early 2008, with consultation about designing a logic model and future framework for evaluations to follow.