RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Applying community-oriented primary care methods in British general practice: a case study. JF British Journal of General Practice JO Br J Gen Pract FD British Journal of General Practice SP 646 OP 651 VO 52 IS 481 A1 Steve Iliffe A1 Penny Lenihan A1 Paul Wallace A1 Vari Drennan A1 Martin Blanchard A1 Andrew Harris YR 2002 UL http://bjgp.org/content/52/481/646.abstract AB BACKGROUND: The '75 and over' assessments built into the 1990 contract for general practice have failed to enthuse primary care teams or make a significant impact on the health of older people. Alternative methods for improving the health of older people living at home are being sought. AIM: To test the feasibility of applying community-oriented primary care methodology to a relatively deprived sub-population of older people in a relatively deprived area. DESIGN OF STUDY: A combination of developmental and triangulation approaches to data analysis. SETTING: Four general practices in an inner London borough. METHOD: A community-oriented primary care approach was used to initiate innovative care for older people, supported financially by the health authority and practically by primary care academics. RESULTS: All four practices identified problems needing attention in the older population, developed different projects focused on particular needs among older people, and tested them in practice. Patient and public involvement were central to the design and implementation processes in only one practice. Innovations were sustained in only one practice, but some were adopted by a primary care group and others extended to a wider group of practices by the health authority. CONCLUSION: A modified community-oriented primary care approach can be used in British general practice, and changes can be promoted that are perceived as valuable by planning bodies. However, this methodology may have more impact at primary care trust level than at practice level.