Primary care research: does it defy definition?

Abstract

The positive influence of a country’s primary care system on the health of its people has been repeatedly demonstrated (Starfield and Shi, 2002; Macinko et al., 2003; Starfield et al., 2005; Beasley et al., 2007), though mostly in industrialized coun- tries. Since each country’s primary care needs vary based on the country’s epidemiology, local research must be done in order to design, implement, and evaluate primary care in each country. Wealthier countries have health care delivery systems designed to address their epidemiological needs: primarily non-communicable chronic diseases, necessitating continuous coordinated outpatient care. Developing countries likewise have health care delivery systems to address their epidemiological needs, which until recently have been primarily acute infectious diseases, necessitating traditional public health activities and acute treatment. Though non-communicable diseases are increasing, acute infectious diseases remain prominent.