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Glossary

What is Primary Care?

Primary care is a fundamental and critical aspect of the healthcare system. It represents the first point of contact that individuals have with the healthcare system and serves as the initial interface between people and the medical community. Primary care is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of healthcare services provided by medical professionals, including general practitioners, nurses, and other health professionals.

Primary care is characterized by its:  

  • Comprehensiveness 

  • Coordination 

  • Continuity 

  • Accessibility 

Primary care provides: 

  • Comprehensive health services 

  1. Preventive and promotive services 

  2. Curative services 

  3. Rehabilitative services  

  • Referrals to specialists 

  • Coordinate with other healthcare providers -pharmacy, social work, specialists, etc. 

  • Holistic care life long care 

  • Long-term relationships with patients and healthcare providers

  • Improved health outcomes 

  • Studies have shown that countries with strong primary care systems have better health outcomes and lower health inequalities compared to countries with weak primary care systems. 

Primary care providers diagnose and treat a wide variety of health conditions including:  

  • Common illnesses 

  • Chronic diseases 

  • Mental health disorders 

  • They also provide preventive care services such as  

  • Immunizations 

  • Screenings 

  • Health education- to prevent the onset of diseases and promote health

In conclusion, primary care provides comprehensive, coordinated, continuous, and accessible healthcare services to individuals and communities. It plays a pivotal role in promoting health, preventing diseases, reducing health inequalities, and improving health outcomes.

All glossary terms