Primary
health care has two basic meanings. The first refers to the initial introduction to the health
care system experienced by an individual or family. The way insurance policies are written,
before an individual can usually be seen by a specialist, for example, a cardiologist or
orthopedist, he or she must first be seen by a primary care physician, also referred to as the
family doctor, general practitioner, or internist. The primary care physician assesses the
patients condition by conducting an examination, questioning the patient, and reviewing the
patients medical history. If the primary care physician believes it is warranted, he or she
will refer the patient to a specialist.
Another meaning for primary health
care involves the provision of medical care for people in remote and generally impoverished
communities. The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) lists its principles of primary
health care, which are oriented primarily toward less-developed countries and are divided
according to age, as follows:
Information, education and training: Provide
basic training in age, gender and culturally sensitive practices addressing knowledge, attitudes
and skills for all PHC staff; provide basic training in core competencies of elder care; provide
age, gender and culturally appropriate information on health promotion, disease management, and
medications for older persons; and review regularly the use of all medication and other
therapies, including traditional medicine and practices.
PHC management
systems: Adapt administrative procedures to the special needs of older persons; facilitate
access to services for low-income patients; support a continuum of care across the community
level; support continuity of care through good record-keeping; ensure participation of older
people in decisions on the organization of PHC; and provide age-appropriate information on the
operation of PHC centers.
Physical environment of the PHC center: Apply
the common principles of Universal Design to the PHC center; make safe and affordable transport
to the PHC center available; post simple and readable signage to facilitate orientation of older
persons; identify key health care staff with name badges; equip PHC centers with good lighting,
non-slip surfaces, stable furniture and clear walkways; and ensure that facilities are clean and
comfortable.
These, then, are the principles of Primaryestablished by the
WHO. They are intended to ensure adequate medical care for all strata of society, and all age
groups.
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