Abstract
The 40th anniversary of the World Health Organization Alma-Ata Declaration in Astana offered the impetus to discuss the extent to which integrated primary health care (PHC) has been successfully implemented and its impact on research and practice. This paper focuses on the experiences from Greece in implementing primary health care reform and lessons learned from the conduct of evidence-based research. It critically examines what appears to be impeding the effective implementation of integrated PHC in a country affected by the financial and refugee crisis. The key challenges for establishing integrated people-centred primary care include availability of family physicians, information and communication technology, the prevention and management of chronic disease and migrant and refugees' health. Policy recommendations are formulated to guide the primary health care reform in Greece, while attempting to inform efforts in other countries with similar conditions.
Highlights
Over the last 15 years, a large body of research has focused on the need for integrated, multidisciplinary, team-based and people-centred care
This paper focuses on the experiences from Greece in implementing primary health care reform and lessons learned from the conduct of evidence-based research
As part of the 40th anniversary of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Alma-Ata Declaration and the recent Astana Declaration, the WHO has called for a return to its basic tenets, reaffirming the key role of primary health care (PHC) (WHO, 2018a)
Summary
Over the last 15 years, a large body of research has focused on the need for integrated, multidisciplinary, team-based and people-centred care. Available evidence from research efforts developed with significant investment from different European funding mechanisms is more often than not overlooked or underutilised by policymakers when making decisions. This is relevant in terms of PHC and in the context of promoting tenets of the Alma-Ata and the current Astana Declaration (WHO, 2018a). These issues are important when discussing evidence-informed policy-making, especially in countries where accessibility disparities and service inequities are not systematically and adequately addressed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
