I hear a lot of talk about “Primary Health Care”. I am unsure I have a thorough understanding of the concept: Primary health care refers to the basic tools for health improvement, illness care, and the gateway to other healthcare services. It describes the services we receive at first contact to the health care system. This may be in a physician’s office, wellness clinic, pharmacy, or community health centre. Well- baby clinics, public health – disease screening, telephone help services are also examples of this type of care. Many providers can and do contribute to the primary health care team in multiple settings. The ultimate goal is continuous promotion of health with continuity in the services provided. Below is a comparison of medical care and primary health care.
Medical Care
Primary Health Care
Focus on illness
Focus on health
Focus on cure
Focus on prevention, care, and cure
Focus on treatment
Focus on health promotion
Provides episodic care
Provides continuous care
Care focuses on specific problems
Care is comprehensive
Care provided by physicians in solo practice
Care provided by teams of health professional
Health care system responsible for outcomes
Multiple systems and the patient collaborate to improve health outcomes
Don’t forget to wear your name tags! The SALPN encourages the use of a name tag displaying your first and last name with professional designation. Be proud of who you are and the care you provide.
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