Healthcare Workers Insights on Enhancing PHC in Europe: Exploring how to implement Core Values in Primary Health Care

Ileana Gafaell Iarrondo, Marina Guisado Clavero, Raquel Gómez-Bravo, Sara Ares-Blanco, Alex Harding, Ana Cristina Franco Spinola, Ana Luisa Neves, Andrée Rochford, Eva Hummers, Nick Mamo, Radost Assenova, Veronica Rasic, Pilar Astier-Peña, Eurodata Collaborative Group, Working Party On Policy Advocacy Wonca Europe Collaborative Group

Keywords: Focus groups, Policy advocacy, Primary Health Care

Background:

Primary Health Care (PHC) systems play a vital role in global health, promoting trust, equity, and efficiency. Translating scientific evidence into actionable proposals is crucial for informed health policy decision-making to strengthen PHC in Europe. This study aims to delineate a comprehensive plan by describing the perspectives on the core values of PHC among European healthcare workers (HCWs). This plan can serve as a roadmap for policymakers to allocate resources effectively and enhance PHC within European health systems

Research questions:

What core values are pertinent to HCWs in PHC, elucidating the role of PHC in the healthcare system?

Method:

A two-step study: (i) A descriptive study compiling information from recent publications, declarations, and working documents related to PHC in Europe, including WONCA Europe documents. The study's core group created a document with evidence-based information on PHC core values and a route map to ensure these values in Europe. (ii) The initial draft underwent evaluation in three online focus groups with HCWs and patients in 2023-24. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, involving three online focus group discussions.

Results:

To date, two virtual focus groups were conducted with GPs and nurses, . Participants reviewed the document in advance. Thematic analysis revealed six interrelated themes: 1. Inequalities in health, 2. Workforce, including roles of HCWs in PHC and their well-being, 3. Budget and investment in PHC, 4. Continuity of care, 5. Accessibility, and 6. Prevention. Priorities and challenges in these areas varied across profiles and countries.

Conclusions:

These findings provide insights into the priorities of HCWs, informing the inclusion of these perspectives in the document outlining the core values of PHC.

Points for discussion:

- How might the perspectives of healthcare workers and patients contribute to shaping the core values of PHC?

- In the six interrelated themes identified, which do you consider the most pressing in the context of strengthening PHC in Europe?

- How can the insights gained from healthcare workers and patients be practically implemented in policy decisions to enhance PHC in Europe?

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