Primary care is the initial point of contact between a patient and the healthcare system that provides individuals with access to the information and resources they need for optimal health outcomes. Show
Primary healthcare professionals typically work with many different patients and have broad knowledge about various physical, psychological and social ailments that may affect their patients. Aim of Primary CareThe main purpose of primary care is to improve the health of the public by providing easy access to medical care. It also focuses on the whole individual rather than on the illness of a specific organ, system or disease. It aims to improve their entire health and wellbeing by preventing or solving any health problems that may be present or potentially present. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are several key roles that primary care practitioners fulfil in their pursuit of this goal. These include:
Primary care practitioners are responsible for the ongoing health of their patients by preventing, diagnosing early and managing common health conditions. An important aspect of their work is making referrals to specialists as and when needed. They are also in a unique position to understand and study the natural course of disease, the family setting in which the patient is placed, and to treat and follow up chronic or recurrent health conditions. Benefits and Challenges of Primary CareWhen implemented correctly, primary care is very beneficial for the health of patients and also reduces the financial burden on the public health system. This is partly because of fewer hospitalizations and less need for secondary and tertiary healthcare services. Other benefits of primary health care include:
However, there are also several barriers that inhibit the benefits of primary care. A shortage of primary care physicians is a significant challenge, and the demand for new practitioners is currently growing at a faster rate than the supply. Additionally, the quality of care is variable between different practitioners, regions and countries. Related Stories
After-hours care is typically available in less than half of primary care centers. Types of Primary Care ProvidersThere are various types of primary care providers who are responsible for the ongoing healthcare of patients. Each of them is capable of acting as the point of entry for the patient into the health system for advice or referrals.
Each of these practitioners typically has a certain patient group with which they are most suited. They have a deeper knowledge of the health conditions that commonly affect these patients. The primary care physician or general practitioner is the most common type of primary healthcare provider, and has the most general knowledge of patient illnesses, along with the widest variability in their patients. It is important to note that non-primary care physicians do not offer the same degree of comprehensive and ongoing care as they relate to particular medical specialities. Primary care providers who are not physicians do offer some services at first contact, such as dietetic and lifestyle changes for diabetics and cardiac patients. However, they function best as part of a team involved with primary health care. Patient-Practitioner RelationshipThe presence of trust between a primary care practitioner and the patient is important to maintain a strong relationship and get the most benefits from primary care. As the primary care practitioner is the point of entry for the public into the health system, patients should feel comfortable to discuss any signs or symptoms that they may be experiencing. They should be free to share the complications and adverse effects of any treatment they are taking. They should also be ready to accept advice and recommendations from their practitioner accordingly. It should be noted that each practitioner has a unique way of interacting with patients, and so individuals may need to try several physicians before finding one that they are happy and comfortable to work with on improving their health and wellbeing. References
Further Reading
Last Updated: Feb 27, 2019 Written by Yolanda SmithYolanda graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of South Australia and has experience working in both Australia and Italy. She is passionate about how medicine, diet and lifestyle affect our health and enjoys helping people understand this. In her spare time she loves to explore the world and learn about new cultures and languages. CitationsPlease use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:
Suggested ReadingWhat are the 3 examples of primary care?Examples of Primary Care. Routine physical exams.. Prescribing necessary medications.. Treatment of minor illnesses and injuries.. Managing chronic conditions.. Screening for common health issues.. Management of acute health conditions.. What are primary care providers also known as?A primary care physician (PCP), or primary care provider, is a health care professional who practices general medicine. PCPs are our first stop for medical care. Most PCPs are doctors, but nurse practitioners and physician assistants can sometimes also be PCPs.
What are examples of primary health care services?What types of services does primary care involve?. cancer screenings.. cardiovascular health screenings.. diabetes screenings.. medication prescriptions.. immunizations.. minor surgical procedures like suturing wounds.. birth control services.. ultrasounds.. What are the 3 type of health care providers?This article describes health care providers involved in primary care, nursing care, and specialty care.
|