scholarly journals The role of primary care pharmacists in the response to the Zika epidemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 2290
Author(s):  
Cláudia B. Santos-Pinto ◽  
Claudia S. Osorio-de-Castro ◽  
Larissa M. Ferreira ◽  
Elaine S. Miranda
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Knowledge Gaps ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Primary Health

Background: Zika virus (ZIKV) infection emerged in Brazil in 2015, leading to the declaration of a national public health emergency, mainly due to its consequences for pregnant women and newborn babies. The Zika epidemic demanded major efforts from the public health system to address the full range of disease consequences. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the role of Primary Health Care pharmacists working in the city of Campo Grande in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. Methods: A qualitative cross-sectional interview-based study with pharmacists working in municipal Primary Health Care services was carried out to investigate knowledge about the disease and involvement in the response to the health emergency. Informed consent was obtained. After coding, the corpus underwent thematic analysis. Results: The data show that few professionals had received specific training in public health. Knowledge largely encompassed disease transmission by the mosquito and collective and individual preventive measures. Findings highlight knowledge gaps relating to signs and symptoms, diagnosis, consequences of infection, and the role of epidemiological surveillance. Most professionals mentioned at least one of the recommendations on the use of medicines in symptom management protocols. The practical implications surrounding knowledge gaps and misconceptions were reflected in pharmacists´ role in response, restricted to counselling on preventive measures. Few respondents participated in institutional groups and committees or in multiprofessional teams involving case management. Conclusions: The study identified important knowledge gaps and showed that the involvement of pharmacy professionals in the response to the Zika epidemic was timid or inadequate. The results also suggest that pharmacists failed to recognize their role in interventions related to the ZIKV epidemic. Findings highlight the need to increase the involvement of primary care pharmacists in community-based actions, for communication and reduction of health risks, and emergency preparedness and response.

Brazilian National Household Health Survey and PCAT: the case of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
L F Pinto ◽  
D Soranz ◽  
L J Santos ◽  
M S Paranhos ◽  
L S Malta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
Household Surveys ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
The World ◽  
Mato Grosso Do Sul

Abstract Brazil is divided into five administrative regions, 27 federation units and 5,570 municipalities. Mato Grosso do Sul is one of the states located in the Midwest region and has 1.6 million km2 and a resident population of 2.8 million inhabitants, that is, it has an even lower demographic density than its region - only 7.8 inhabitants/km2. Mato Grosso do Sul has part of the Pantanal, a biome considered the largest continuous floodplain in the world, rich in biodiversity. For this reason, displacements for data collection in household surveys combine roads and rivers. In 2019, the Brazilian National Institute of Geography and Statistics (Istituto Nazionale di Statistica del Brasile) in partnership with the Ministry of Health launched the world's largest household sample survey, the National Health Survey (PNS-2019), in which part of its questions included the use of Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT, adult version), created by professors Barbara Starfield and Leiyu Shi in the 2000s. IBGE interviewers visited more than 100,000 households across the country. In Mato Grosso do Sul, more than 3,000 households were surveyed. In this work, we present the data collection instrument used by IBGE and its multiple analysis possibilities in the scope of primary health care, crossing the variables from other questionnaire modules in order to compare the results from Brazil with the state of Mato Grosso do Sul and its capital, Campo Grande. Developing a baseline and measuring the attributes of primary health care in each of the Brazilian states is another step towards giving health policy accountability, towards strong primary care. IBGE's experience in household surveys and innovation in data collection in primary care is an example for the world that yes, it is possible to develop statistically representative national sample surveys and make them perennial in their regular household surveys, by the time World Health Organization (WHO) discusses universal health coverage. Key messages Evaluation of primary care using an internationally validated instrument is possible on national bases with random household sample surveys. A questionnaire elaborated academically can be used as an instrument of public policy to evaluate nationwide health services.

scholarly journals ASSESSMENT OF AWARENESS OF FAMILY PHYSICIANSABOUT THE OSTEOPOROSIS AS A PROBLEM OF ELDERLY

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-82
Author(s):  
O Yu Kuznetsova ◽  
I E Moiseeva
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Treatment Of Osteoporosis ◽  
Family Doctors ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Prevalence Of Osteoporosis

The prevalence of osteoporosis in Russia is about 10%, and in the age group over 50 years - up to 25-35%. The role of primary care physicians in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this disease is high, because 80% of patients seeking medical help in primary health care. The article presents the results of the assessment of the awareness of the general practitioners (family doctors) on the preven- tion, diagnostics and treatment of osteoporosis

scholarly journals Strengthening primary health care through primary care and public health collaboration: the influence of intrapersonal and interpersonal factors

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (04) ◽  
pp. 378-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruta K. Valaitis ◽  
Linda O’Mara ◽  
Sabrina T. Wong ◽  
Marjorie MacDonald ◽  
Nancy Murray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Effective Communication ◽  
Key Informants ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Interpersonal Factors ◽  
Beliefs And Attitudes

AimThe aim of this paper is to examine Canadian key informants’ perceptions of intrapersonal (within an individual) and interpersonal (among individuals) factors that influence successful primary care and public health collaboration.BackgroundPrimary health care systems can be strengthened by building stronger collaborations between primary care and public health. Although there is literature that explores interpersonal factors that can influence successful inter-organizational collaborations, a few of them have specifically explored primary care and public health collaboration. Furthermore, no papers were found that considered factors at the intrapersonal level. This paper aims to explore these gaps in a Canadian context.MethodsThis interpretative descriptive study involved key informants (service providers, managers, directors, and policy makers) who participated in one h telephone interviews to explore their perceptions of influences on successful primary care and public health collaboration. Transcripts were analyzed using NVivo 9.FindingsA total of 74 participants [from the provinces of British Columbia (n=20); Ontario (n=19); Nova Scotia (n=21), and representatives from other provinces or national organizations (n=14)] participated. Five interpersonal factors were found that influenced public health and primary care collaborations including: (1) trusting and inclusive relationships; (2) shared values, beliefs and attitudes; (3) role clarity; (4) effective communication; and (5) decision processes. There were two influencing factors found at the intrapersonal level: (1) personal qualities, skills and knowledge; and (2) personal values, beliefs, and attitudes. A few differences were found across the three core provinces involved. There were several complex interactions identified among all inter and intra personal influencing factors: One key factor – effective communication – interacted with all of them. Results support and extend our understanding of what influences successful primary care and public health collaboration at these levels and are important considerations in building and sustaining primary care and public health collaborations.

scholarly journals Renewing primary care: the bottom-up experience of an Italian health professional movement

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
G Sessa ◽  
C Milani ◽  
G Occhini ◽  
G Marini ◽  
A Sarro
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Medical Education ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Interprofessional Education ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Primary Health

Abstract Sustainability of the National Health Systems (NHS) has been facing different challenges. A community-oriented Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CommOr C-PHC) could help its survival. Such a framework, focused on health promotion, primary prevention, not communicable disease management, requires new capabilities among health professionals. Considering teamwork and interprofessional collaboration (IPC) as PHC core elements, there is growing recognition of the need of interprofessional education (IPE). Nevertheless, italian medical education is distant from other disciplines and mainly based on hospital care settings. Since this situation represents an obstacle to implement a CommOr C-PHC model of health service, new ways of training students and retraining actual health workers should be developed. The aim of the project is to design IPE programs and to improve IPC within the C-PHC framework, shared learning environments placed in the community were developed. At the end of 2017 a group of young italian health professionals (public health resident, young general practitioner, social assistant, nurse, medical anthropologist, etc) founded the Campaign “2018 Primary Health care: Now or never”, a cultural movement of public health advocacy. Its goals are: The creation of a common cultural background through the study of PHC evidence and best italian and international practices. Organization of workshops all over Italy: peer education training session, site-visits, lectures with Italian and foreigner health professionals, based on need assessment methods. Individuation of learning environments placed in the community and in a primary care setting where students can apprehend social determinants of health, exercise critical thinking and develop transprofessional knowledge. Key messages Young health professionals from Italy, starting from the need for a different educational framework, based on IPE, created a movement to defend the NHS and promote PHC principles. The success and large participation of a national campaign sustaining PHC and aimed at promoting interprofessional education shows the need for a change in the medical education field.

scholarly journals Strategies for improving primary care for adolescents and young adults transitioning from pediatric services: perspectives of Canadian primary health care professionals

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyleigh Schraeder ◽  
Gina Dimitropoulos ◽  
Brooke Allemang ◽  
Kerry McBrien ◽  
Susan Samuel
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Transition Care ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Pediatric Services

Abstract Background Family physicians and other members of the primary health care (PHC) team may be ideally positioned to provide transition care to adolescents and young adults (AYAs; aged 12–25 years) exiting pediatric specialty services. Potential solutions to well-known challenges associated with integrating PHC and specialty care need to be explored. Objective To identify strategies to transition care by PHC professionals for AYAs with chronic conditions transitioning from pediatric to adult-oriented care. Methods Participants were recruited from six Primary Care Networks in Calgary, Alberta. A total of 18 semi-structured individual interviews were completed, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using a qualitative description approach, involving thematic analysis. Results Participants offered a range of strategies for supporting AYAs with chronic conditions. Our analysis resulted in three overarching themes: (i) educating AYAs, families, and providers about the critical role of primary care; (ii) adapting existing primary care supports for AYAs and (iii) designing new tools or primary care practices for transition care. Conclusions Ongoing and continuous primary care is important for AYAs involved with specialty pediatric services. Participants highlighted a need to educate AYAs, families and providers about the critical role of PHC. Solutions to improve collaboration between PHC and pediatric specialist providers would benefit from additional perspectives from providers, AYAs and families. These findings will inform the development of a primary care-based intervention to improve transitional care.

scholarly journals Editorial

1995 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
Heather Gardner
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Continuity Of Care ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Community Health Services ◽  
Continuing Care ◽  
Australian Health ◽  
Primary Health

The advent of the Australian Journal of Primary Health - Interchange reflects the changes which are taking place in the Australian health sector and the increased and increasing importance of primary health care and community health services. The significant role of primary care in maintaining health and enhancing wellbeing is at last being recognised, and the relationships between primary care, continuing care, and acute care are being redefined and the connections made, so that improvement in continuity of care can be achieved.

scholarly journals Primary health care policy and vision for community pharmacy and pharmacists in Spain

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel A. Gastelurrutia ◽  
Maria J. Faus ◽  
Fernando Martinez-Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
The State ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
State Health ◽  
Primary Health

From a political and governance perspective Spain is a decentralized country with 17 states [comunidades autónomas] resulting in a governmental structure similar to a federal state. The various state regional health services organizational and management structures are focused on caring for acute illnesses and are dominated by hospitals and technology. In a review by the Interstate Council, a body for intercommunication and cooperation between the state health care services and national government, there is a move to improve health care through an integrative approach between specialized care and primary care at the state level. Community pharmacy does not appear to have a major role in this review. Primary health care is becoming more important and leading the change to improve the roles of the health care teams. Primary care pharmacists as the rest of public health professionals are employed by the respective states and are considered public servants. Total health care expenditure is 9.0% of its GDP with the public health sector accounting for the 71% and the private sector 29% of this expenditure. Community pharmacy contracts with each state health administration for the supply and dispensing of medicines and a very limited number of services. There are approximately 22,000 community pharmacies and 52,000 community pharmacists for a population of 47 million people. All community pharmacies are privately owned with only pharmacists owning a single pharmacy. Pharmacy chain stores are not legally permitted. Community pharmacy practice is based on dispensing of medications and dealing with consumer minor symptoms and requests for nonprescription medications although extensive philosophical deep debates on the conceptual and practical development of new clinical services have resulted in national consensually agreed classifications, definitions and protocolized services. There are a few remunerated services in Spain and these are funded at state, provincial or municipal level. There are no health services approved or funded at a national level. Although the profession promulgates a patient orientated community pharmacy it appears to be reluctant to advocate for a change in the remuneration model. The profession as a whole should reflect on the role of community pharmacy and advocate for a change to practice that is patient orientated alongside the maintenance of its stance on being a medication supplier. The future strategic position of community pharmacy in Spain as a primary health care partner with government would then be enhanced.

scholarly journals Crise, Atenção Primária de Saúde e Enfermagem: conhecimento e ação para novos modos de produzir saúde [Crisis, Primary Health Care and Nursing: reflection and action for new ways of producing health] [Crisis, Atención Primaria de Salud y Enfermería: reflexión y acción para nuevas formas de producir salud]

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. e55687
Author(s):  
Helena Maria Scherlowski Leal David
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Primary Health

Editorial sobre a importancia da atenção Primária no contexto da pandemia por covid-19, as ameaças que sofre e o papel da enfermagem.ABSTRACTEditorial aproaching the importance of primary care in the context of the 19-covid pandemic, the threats it suffers and the role of nursing.RESUMENEditorial sobre la importancia de la atención primaria en el contexto de la pandemia del 19-covid, las amenazas que sufre y el papel de la enfermería.

scholarly journals Developing primary health care and public health competencies in undergraduate medical students

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
Stephen E Knight ◽  
Andrew J Ross ◽  
Ozayr Mahomed
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Medical Curriculum ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
Primary Health

Background: The Selective Programme (Selectives) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a three-year longitudinal, community-based programme within the undergraduate medical curriculum, which aims to develop primary health care (PHC) and public health competencies in students using the community-oriented primary care (COPC) approach. Aim: The aim of this research was to evaluate the Selectives against the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) ‘core’ graduate competencies. Setting: This study was carried out among medical students concluding Selectives at UKZN in 2015. Methods: A cohort of 183 students concluded Selectives in 2015, and thereafter 70 (38%) completed a routine online evaluation of the programme based on the core graduate competencies. Results: Students reported substantial improvements in PHC clinical knowledge, improved understanding of a population perspective on health, and having gained public health knowledge and skills. Conclusion: Selectives is an effective way to use a decentralised PHC learning platform to enable medical students to address some of the HPCSA graduate competencies required for health care professionals and not necessarily covered by other medical disciplines. (Full text of the research articles are available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojfp) S Afr Fam Pract 2017; DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2016.1272229

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