What is Primary Health Care?

---

Primary health care (PHC) refers to basic, everyday health care. Whether visiting your family doctor or nurse practitioner, talking to a physiotherapist or a registered dietician, primary health care providers are the first faces you’ll see when you access the health care system for care or advice.

Primary health care is about:

Preventing people from becoming ill or injured Managing chronic conditions Making the most effective use of health provider expertise Efficiency and coordination Individuals playing an active role in their own health care Understanding that factors outside the health system influence individual and community health

PHC is not a new concept – it’s been in existence for years. We believe that it will ensure better health for all of us. It has the potential to keep waiting lists down, lessen the pressure on emergency rooms and make the system more sustainable in the long term. The more you understand it, the better prepared you will be to take advantage of the opportunities it presents to you, your family and your community.

To gain a better understanding of PHC, it is helpful to look at the four key pillars that a strong PHC system is built on These are:

• Teams – A team of health care providers works with you to improve care.
• Information – Information is co-ordinated between health care providers.
• Access – Ensuring you have access to the right care at the right time.
• Healthy Living – A focus on prevention and self-care keeps you well.