Interprofessional collaboration: A stakeholder approach to evaluation of voluntary participation in community partnerships

A major goal of community coalitions is to engage the community in large-scale systems change. This paper examines how five interprofessional partnerships in South Africa involved their local communities as well as a variety of voluntary agencies in the long-term planning and delivery of health care. The obstacles and difficulties encountered by the volunteers who participate in the partnerships are highlighted. The paper compares the views of 427 participants from four stakeholders: the community health workers; the projects' core staff; 'solo' community members; and representatives of voluntary agencies, community-based agencies and non-governmental organisations. This article considers the benefits and costs of participation as well as satisfaction, ownership, representation, contributions, and commitment. The findings suggest that while the stakeholders value their partnerships, some of the costs associated with their participation may affect their satisfaction and commitment. The challenges of working in partnerships with volunteers in a community setting are discussed and strategies for addressing them are considered. The implications for coalition functioning and the lessons for future community involvement in the planning of local health services by way of interprofessional partnerships are also addressed.