Community participation in health is consistent with notions of democracy. A systems perspective of engagement can see consumers engaged to legitimise government agendas. Often community participation is via consultation instead of partnership or delegation. A community development approach to engagement can empower communities to take responsibility for their own health care. Understanding rural place facilitates alignment between health programs and community, assists in incorporating community resources into health care and provides information about health needs. Rural communities, health services and other community organisations need skills in working together to develop effective partnerships that transfer some power from health systems. Rural engagement with national/ state agendas is a challenge. Community engagement takes time and resources, but can be expected to lead to better health outcomes for rural residents.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	community engagement, community health development, community participation
Research Division:	Health Sciences
Research Group:	Health services and systems
Research Field:	Health and community services
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Specific population health (excl. Indigenous health)
Objective Field:	Rural and remote area health
UTAS Author:	Kilpatrick, SI (Professor Sue Kilpatrick)
ID Code:	55644
Year Published:	2009
Web of Science® Times Cited:	40
Deposited By:	UTAS Centre for Rural Health
Deposited On:	2009-03-12
Last Modified:	2010-03-29
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