Implementing social interventions in primary care in Canada: A qualitative exploration of lessons learned from leaders in the field

Purpose: Primary health care providers and practices are increasingly instituting direct interventions into social determinants of health and health inequities, but experiences of the leaders in these initiatives remain largely unexamined.

Methods: Sixteen semi-structured interviews with Canadian primary care leaders in developing and implementing social interventions were conducted to assess barriers, keys to success, and lessons learned from their work.

Results: Participants focused on practical approaches to establishing and maintaining social intervention programs and our analysis pointed to six major themes. A deep understanding of community needs, through data and client stories, forms a foundation for program development. Improving access to care is essential to ensuring programs reach those most marginalized. Client care spaces must be made safe as a first step to engagement. Intervention programs are strengthened by the involvement of patients, community members, health team staff, and partner agencies in their design. The impact and sustainability of these programs is enhanced by implementation partnerships with community members, community organizations, health team members, and government. Health providers and teams are more likely to assimilate simple, practical tools into practice. Finally, institutional change is key to establishing successful programs.

Conclusion: Creativity, persistence, partnership, a deep understanding of community and individual social needs, and a willingness to overcome barriers underlie the implementation of successful social intervention programs in primary health care settings.