External environments facing community health services facilities that belong to state-owned enterprises or public services units in China.

This article analyzes the external environments facing community health services (CHS) facilities that belong to state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and public services units (PSUs) in urban China. Semistructured and open-ended key informant interviews were conducted in six such CHS facilities in Wuhan City. A total of 45 chief directors and various other classifications of health professionals from CHS facilities participated in the interviews. Behavioral responses of local government authorities, immediate managerial agencies (SOEs and PSUs), other medical facilities, and the general public were revealed as the external influences impacting these kinds of CHS facilities. Conclusions arrived at were that these CHS facilities need sound external environments to fulfill their roles, including financial support from government and immediate agencies, professional guidance and support, appropriate referrals from other medical facilities, and the cooperation and confidence of the general public in the work of the facilities.