ORAL PRESENTATIONS
Advocacy for Primary Care
Abstract topic: Advocacy for Primary Care
Abstract ID: 71
Presentation form: Short Lecture Presentation
Primary care physicians in Europe: navigating financial risk and protecting patients
Randolph Quaye1
1)
Africana, Gender and Identity Studies, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, United States
Focus of the abstract: research
Background:
A confluence of forces- an aging population, higher rates of cancer deaths and increased health care
costs - have forced some countries to rethink their health care delivery systems ( Quaye, 016:1). Much
of the debate recently has focused on GPs burnout, the fragmentation of care and greater financial
responsibility for health care costs. Specifically, this paper explores the gatekeeping of GPs on current
thinking of these issues.
Method:
Data was collected from surveys from primarily European GPs attending two recent WONCA
conferences in Europe. The questionnaires were developed on the basis of a systematic review of the
literature. The survey was distributed to 100 GPs with a return rate of 95%.
Results:
European GPs reported general satisfaction with their work and see their role as "gatekeeper" in
holding down health care costs, and that they are generally opposed to market reforms in health care.
A majority of our respondents reported practicing in the United Kingdom, followed by Belgium, the
Netherlands and France.
Discussion/ Conclusion:
This paper reported on the perspectives of selected GPs in Europe. The Results from the study suggest
that these GPs are generally satisfied with their work and see their role as gatekeepers in holding down
health care cost. They were unanimously against market competition and privatization in health care.
Given the role of public financing in health care, and a greater health care solidarity among European
GPs, this was not surprising. They were also opposed to patients paying more out-of-pocket for health
care.
Abstract topic: Advocacy for Primary Care
Abstract ID: 198
Presentation form: Lecture Presentation
How to advocate effectively – a toolkit for family doctors to help create change
Amanda Howe1, Sankha Randenikumara2
1)
Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia (UEA), WONCA / RCGP / UEA, Norwich, United
Kingdom
2)
College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Focus of the abstract: CME
Background
Many leaders in WONCA have learned how to advocate effectively, but few postgraduate curricula
include advocacy training – and members often identify this as a learning need as they advance their
careers in family medicine. WONCA Europe has many examples of effective advocacy, which will be
shared in another symposium. This workshop will outline the core principles of effective advocacy,
show some of the evidence behind what works, and focus on providing a ‘toolkit’ for participants that
can be built on after the conference.
Didactic Method
Personal introductions and identification of learning needs will be followed by a brief theoretical
presentation, using some worked examples at individual, regional and systems levels.
Small working groups will then consider the key stages of
• Identifying and agreeing a key issue
• Developing a plan for change
• Identifying allies and opponents
• Enhancing our resilience to overcome difficulties as we advocate
• Recognising and building on progress
• Recording and sharing Outcomes.
A final session of feedback will share learning, and also show people how they can continue this work
within WONCA.
Objectives
• To share key evidence behind effective advocacy
• To outline considerations and key stages in creating and performing a cycle of advocacy
Outcomes
Participants will consolidate and extend their knowledge of this area, enabling work in any setting they
choose (patient care, services, professional status, resources or other) to be more effective. We shall
use the findings to build the next stage of the WONCA Toolkit for Advocacy.
Abstract topic: Advocacy for Primary Care
Abstract ID: 291
Presentation form: Short Lecture Presentation
The key role of TOMY units in primary care for patients with cancer in Attika. A qualitative approach
Androniki Kontou1, Xeni Drakou2, Kiriaki Eleni Lemonia Lazaridi3, Alexandra Tsipou4, Irene Panagiotou5
1)
Family Doctor, 2nd TOMY AIGALEO, Athens, Greece
2)
Family Doctor, 1st TOMY Nikaias - .St. I. Renti, Nikaia, Greece
3)
Social Worker, 1st TOMY Nikaias- St .I.Renti, Nikaia, Greece
4)
Family Doctor, 1st TOMY Egaleo, Egaleo, Greece
5)
Palliative Care Consultant, Health Center of Kallithea, Kallithea, Greece
The abstract is not available
Abstract topic: Advocacy for Primary Care
Abstract ID: 444
Presentation form: Short Lecture Presentation
"You are not alone: a case of holistic care in family medicine and social work"
Alberto Fernández Fernandez1, Sergio Díaz García2, Maria Cristina Díaz Hernández2, Lucia Anaite Nieto
Castillo3
1)
Centro Salud de Luarca, Primary Care Center of Luarca, Luarca, Spain
2)
Primary Care Center of Navia, Navia, Spain
3)
Primary Care Center of Trevias, Trevias, Spain
The abstract is not available
Abstract topic: Advocacy for Primary Care
Abstract ID: 446
Presentation form: WONCA Europe Network Workshop
Policy advocacy - an important role for family doctors: What this means and how to get involved
Nick Mamo1, Raquel Gómez Bravo2, Ana Cristina Franco Spinola3,1, Ana Luisa Neves4, Radost Asenova5,6,
Veronica Rasic7,8, Alex Harding9, Sara Ares-Blanco10,11, Maria Pilar Astier Peña10,12,13, Andrée Rochfort13
1)
EYFDM, GLASGOW, United Kingdom
2)
University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
3)
SESARAM EPARAM, Funchal, Portugal
4)
Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
5)
BGPSRE, Sofia, Bulgaria
6)
Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
7)
EURIPA, Paris, France
8)
Rural Health Compass, Bristol, United Kingdom
9)
EURACT, Ljubljana, Slovenia
10)
SemFYC - Spanish Society for Family and Community Medicine, Madrid, Spain
11)
SERMAS, Madrid, Spain
12)
WONCA World, Brussels, Belgium
13)
EQuIP, Copenhagen, Denmark
Focus of the abstract: CME
Background
Family medicine is a pillar of primary health care and the place of first contact with the health care
system. This puts us as family doctors in a strong position to advocate in different spheres - from the
individual patient up to the international arena. Far too often this important characteristic is threatened
by decisions of healthcare managers under the illusion of pseudo-efficiency of the systems. Whether
we see advocacy as a duty or a right for family doctors, it is important for us to raise our voices, and
work to improve circumstances for our communities. The question then, is how do we advocate? What
should we be doing, what are the challenges we are likely to face, and how are we going to deal with
them?
Didactic Method
Following a short introduction on policy and advocacy, we will introduce case studies showing advocacy
in different spheres - local, regional, national, and international. Following this, we will focus on group
work whereby groups will create realistic actions that can be taken by family doctors to advocate for
specific causes. Groups will be invited to consider the strengths and limitations of their positions, and
the opportunities that may be available to them in achieving their aims.
Objectives
• To review what policy advocacy means in the context of primary care in Europe
• To explore the role of family doctors in advocacy in different spheres
• To empower family doctors to take an active role in advocating for their patients, communities,
regions and countries
Abstract topic: Advocacy for Primary Care
Abstract ID: 447
Presentation form: WONCA Europe Network Symposium
Strategies for effective policy advocacy in family medicine: From national to global
Nick Mamo1, Raquel Gómez Bravo2, Ana Cristina Franco Spinola3,1, Ana Luisa Neves4, Radost Asenova5,6,
Veronica Rasic7,8, Alex Harding9, Sara Ares-Blanco10,11, Maria Pilar Astier Peña10,12,13, Andrée Rochfort13
1)
EYFDM, GLASGOW, United Kingdom
2)
University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
3)
SESARAM EPARAM, Funchal, Portugal
4)
Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
5)
BGPSRE, Sofia, Bulgaria
6)
Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
7)
Rural Health Compass, Bristol, United Kingdom
8)
EURIPA, Paris, France
9)
EURACT, Ljubljana, Slovenia
10)
SemFYC - Spanish Society for Family and Community Medicine, Madrid, Spain
11)
SERMAS, Madrid, Spain
12)
WONCA World, Brussels, Belgium
13)
EQuIP, Copenhagen, Denmark
Focus of the abstract: CME
Background:
Policy advocacy is of central importance if we are to improve Family Medicine, and achieve our aim of
universal health coverage. Understanding what is being done in this field, looking at our successes and
challenges is essential to develop realistic strategies going forward. We aim to present past and ongoing
policy advocacy in Family Medicine both within WONCA and beyond, and to develop proposals for the
WONCA Europe Working Party on Policy Advocacy, so that we can improve the profile and impact of
WONCA Europe in this sphere.
Objectives:
• Provide insights into the current landscape of Policy Advocacy within member organizations
across Europe in 2024.
• Explore the barriers and facilitators to policy advocacy from the perspective of Family
Medicine.
• Discuss strategies for advocacy with and without funding in Europe.
• Identify opportunities for WONCA Europe and member organizations to advocate more
effectively for Family Medicine in Europe.
• Generate proposals for sustaining the activities of the working party.
Discussion:
Family medicine serves as the cornerstone of healthcare systems in many countries. However, family
physicians often face challenges in providing necessary care to their patients due to constraints in
human resources, legal frameworks, and financial resources. Effectively advocating for patients to
influence healthcare policy and legislation is a challenging yet essential endeavor to ensure the
continued presence and quality of primary care. This symposium will review the state of policy
advocacy in Europe, explore effective advocacy strategies, and solicit ideas from attendees to advance
advocacy efforts.
Abstract topic: Advocacy for Primary Care
Abstract ID: 464
Presentation form: Lecture Presentation
You wouldn't ask a teacher to build their own school: Addressing systemic challenges in general
practice
Uzair Shabbir1, Ray O’Connor1, Joe Macdonagh2, Andrew O’Regan1
1)
University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
2)
Lecturer at Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Focus of the abstract: research
Background:
Ireland's general practice sector is contending with a significant crisis due to shortages of general
practitioners (GPs) and escalating demands for primary care. This study aimed to identify practical
solutions to mitigate these challenges and enhance the efficiency and sustainability of primary care
services.
Methods:
The research adopted a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with 21 general
practitioners across Ireland. The interviews were analysed thematically to extract insights and potential
solutions to the ongoing crisis
Results:
The Analysis revealed a misalignment between patient expectations and the realities of healthcare
provision and a pressing need for systemic support and infrastructure modernization. The GPs
proposed solutions including the integration of technology for patient management, enhanced task
delegation to allied healthcare professionals, the initiation of public education campaigns, and
significant reforms in service contracts and provisions for after-hours care. The data underscored the
importance of proactive collaboration between healthcare authorities and GPs to implement these
changes.
Discussion:
The findings underscore the need for an immediate, comprehensive approach to revitalize general
practice in Ireland, calling for a paradigm shift in primary care delivery. This shift should integrate
technological advances with fundamental care principles, supported by significant investments in
primary care infrastructure, reevaluation of GP workloads, and joint efforts to overhaul healthcare
policies.
Conclusion:
Resolving the GP crisis will require concerted action to implement innovative practices, improve
working conditions for GPs, and align healthcare policies with the practicalities of general practice,
ensuring the sector's sustainability and the well-being of the Irish population.
Abstract topic: Advocacy for Primary Care
Abstract ID: 550
Presentation form: Case Report Presentation
Unveiling lung squamous cell carcinoma: a case study and holistic commentary
Nuno Fernandes1, Ana Vaz1
1)
USF Gaya, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Focus of the abstract: CME
Introduction: Lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC),
primarily arises in the central lung or airway and is chiefly linked to tobacco smoke, though factors like
age, family history, and exposure to substances like asbestos also contribute. SCC exhibits a stronger
association with tobacco smoke compared to other NSCLCs.
Case Description: A 54-year-old married man, a kiosk employee, sought routine consultation after a
seven-year lapse. He was asymptomatic with no regular medication or significant medical history.
Having quit smoking four years ago (previously 25 pack-years), he consumed five alcoholic drinks daily,
maintained an unrestricted diet high in lipids and carbohydrates, and engaged in daily 5 km walks
without additional exercise. Family history revealed a father with unspecified neoplasia. Physical
examination showed good general condition, BMI of 30.5, BP of 180/90mmHg, central obesity, and
normal cardiac and pulmonary auscultation with scattered wheezes. Spirometry indicated reversible
obstruction, and subsequent imaging revealed a 50mm spiculated solid nodule, confirmed as SCC of
the lung via transbronchial biopsy after urgent referral to pulmonology.
Final Comment: The family physician's holistic approach involves comprehensive examination and
directing healthcare services, serving as the primary point of contact for patients. They also play a
crucial role in preventive care and risk reduction strategies.
Abstract topic: Advocacy for Primary Care
Abstract ID: 585
Presentation form: Lecture Presentation
‘Taking Time’ - a mixed Methods review of extended mental health consultations in a deprived urban
general practice.
Siobhan Hinchy1, Eimear Pilkington1, Helen Tobin1, Geoff McCombe2, Anna Beug1
1)
Coombe Family Practice, University College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
2)
Department of General Practice, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
Focus of the abstract: research
Background
In March 2021 the Irish Health Service Executive introduced a grant to support clinical care in
socioeconomically deprived general practices. A single practice in Dublin’s south inner city used this
funding to provide extended consultations for complex mental health presentations. The creation of
this appointment type allowed the identification of mental health consultations independent of coding.
This study presents the nature and Outcomes of these presentations.
Methods
This was a mixed Methods study. Patients attending for an extended mental health consultation
between March 2021 and March 2023 were included and a retrospective chart review was completed
using thematic coding and categorical statistics.
Results
195 charts were included in the review. 36% were male, 63% were female, and the age ranged from 4
to 86 (mean age = 34). The top three reasons for attendance were anxiety and panic (48%), low mood
(43%), and suicide and nonsuicidal self injury (18%). 74% of patients attended with at least two
presenting complaints. Analysis of further Outcomes including prescribing patterns and referral rates
to secondary care is ongoing.
Discussion
The Introduction of a special consultation type captured mental health presentations in a deprived
general practice. Patients across a wide age range presented with multiple and varied complaints,
reflecting the complexity of these consultations. This study highlights the role of general practitioners
as core stakeholders in a primary mental health care model and underlines the need for further
research in this area and funding for general practice within this model.
Abstract topic: Advocacy for Primary Care
Abstract ID: 628
Presentation form: Short Lecture Presentation
Representation by a union. The importance for modern general practitioners
Tadhg Crowley1)
1)
Gp, Ayrfield medical centre, Kilkenny, Ireland
Focus of the abstract: CME
The life of a general practitioner is varied and involves as it's being continuity of care. It may seem
strange however that union representation for a family doctor may be more important in this
environment than one could imagine for a caring doctor
Ireland is a case in point. New work that has won international awards for the Heath Service Executive
is centrered around a programme of resourced managment of chronic care. The early Results of this
has showcased the ability of the family practitioner where their unique synthesis of patient knowledge
and disease awareness has resulted in many improvments in patients disease progression
This new system has evolved because hope and history rhymed. Heaneys oft used phrase has aplace in
healthcare development.The government and HSE resourced a structured care programme that had
never been seen before. The Irish Medical orgisation is the representative body for General
Practitioners in ireland.
Most GP's are unaware of the need for representation but the need for it is at the very heary heart of
general practice survival
Abstract topic: Advocacy for Primary Care
Abstract ID: 768
Presentation form: Lecture Presentation
Trends in long-term opioid use in patients with non-cancer pain from 2013 to 2022
Loes de Kleijn1, Laura Struik1, Hanneke Rijkels-Otters1, Alessandro Chiarotto1, Bart Koes1, Jacoline van
den Driest1
1)
Department of General Practice, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Focus of the abstract: research
Introduction: Long-term opioid treatment in patients with non-cancer pain is often ineffective and
potentially harmful. Guidelines advise to refrain from prolonged opioid use in patients with non-cancer
pain. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and characteristics of patients prescribed long-term
opioids in primary care, which comorbidities were associated with long-term use and which opioids
were prescribed during the period 2013-2022.
Method: A population-based cohort study was conducted using the Rijnmond Primary Care database.
Patients were included if they used opioids daily for 3 months or longer.
Analysis: Descriptive statistics were performed to describe patients’ characteristics
Results: Long-term use remained stable from 2013 to 2022, with a prevalence of 1.0% per 100 patient
years. Most often opioids were prescribed for musculoskeletal complaints (70%).. Patients in the cohort
were more frequently female (67%), with an average age of 63 years, and used an average daily dose
of 40 mg morphine equivalent. The concomitant use of antidepressants (31%) and anxiolytics (21%)
was high. Most common comorbidities included diabetes mellitus (21%) and depressive disorder (20%).
From 2013 to 2022 the prescription rate of strong opioids increased, from 2.8 to 6.7 prescriptions per
patient per episode of long-term use.
Conclusion: Use of chronic opioids remained stable over the period 2013-2022. However, number of
prescriptions for strong opioids doubled during the same period. The patient group is characterized by
multi-morbidity. Given the risks and ineffectiveness of opioids in non-cancer pain, it remains essential
to be cautious with long-term opioid prescriptions.
Abstract topic: Advocacy for Primary Care
Abstract ID: 889
Presentation form: Lecture Presentation
Trends in mental health problems in children and young people in Dutch general practice: A
population-based study
Vincent 't Hart1, Lukas Koet1, Boris Schouten1, Premysl Velek1, Patrick Bindels1, Heike Gerger1,2
1)
Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC the Netherlands, Rotterdam, Netherlands
2)
Department of Clinical Psychology, Open University, Heerlen, Netherlands
Focus of the abstract: research
Background
In recent decades, the prevalence of mental health problems among children and young people (CYP)
has increased. This might have influenced health-care utilization in general practice. Therefore, we
investigated trends in consultation and incidence rates for mental health problems in CYP in Dutch
general practice.
Methods
A longitudinal population-based study was conducted using the Rijnmond Primary Care Database
between 2016-2022. We extracted monthly data on the following mental health problems in CYP (0-24
years): anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), behavioral problems, depressive
problems, eating disorders, sleeping problems, substance abuse and suicidality. We calculated trends
for GP-registered incidence and consultation rates for different age and sex categories. We compared
pre-COVID-19 trends with trends over the entire study period to assess for influences of the pandemic.
Results
Consultation rates of all problems increased over time. Additionally, incidence rates for ADHD and
depressive problems in both sexes, and anxiety problems in females increased. Although we observed
a decrease in incidence and consultations in the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, trends over
the entire study period were similar to pre-pandemic trends.
Analysis
GPs have seen increasing trends in consultation rates for mental health problems in CYP, which started
before (and were not influenced by) the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on our findings we assume that
these trends will continue into the future.
Conclusion
There are increasing trends in GP-consultations for mental health problems in children and young
people, underlining the growing importance of GPs in managing these patients.
Abstract topic: Advocacy for Primary Care
Abstract ID: 901
Presentation form: Regular Workshop
Masterclass in advocacy and leadership for family doctors
Michael Kidd1)
1)
Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
Focus of the abstract: CME
Background
As our work as family doctors continues to face new challenges, it is more important than ever to
recognise the importance of our roles as clinician leaders and as advocates, and to develop the skills to
be effective in our ability to influence health policies that benefit our patients and communities.
Method
This interactive workshop is designed for both novice and experienced clinician leaders and
advocates.Together we will explore ways to become more effective leaders and advocates, including
preparing for leadership roles, chairing meetings, mentorship, public speaking, and working with the
media.
Results
Participants will leave this workshop with greater understanding of the skills required to be an effective
family doctor leader and advocate, including insights into issues that require advocacy intervention,
ways tobuild relationships with policymakers, community leaders, and other stakeholders, and ways to
implement effective advocacy programs.
Analysis
During this workshop, participants will discuss ways to make a difference in the impact of each of our
careers, and to reflect on professional development needs and ways to attain further skills to become
a more effective family doctor leader and advocate. Each participant will be encouraged to set goals
for their own future leadership and advocacy initiatives.
Conclusion
At the Conclusion of this workshop, key takeaway messages will be summarised and participants will
be encouraged to continue to engage in leadership and advocacy work.This workshop will demonstrate
that, as family doctors, wehave more influence than often realised to effect real change, by working
together.
Abstract topic: Advocacy for Primary Care
Abstract ID: 918
Presentation form: Lecture Presentation
Family medicine in the health care system of 10 Central and Eastern European Countries - FATMEE2 study preliminary Results
Marek Oleszczyk1, Aleksander Stepanović2, Norbert Král3, Bohumil Seifert3, Igor Švab2, Tomasz Tomasik1,
Natalia Jagiełła1, Adam Windak1
1)
Department of Family Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
2)
Department of Family Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia
3)
Institute of General Practice of the 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
Focus of the abstract: research
Background
The 2011 Family Medicine After Transformation in Middle and Eastern Europe (FATMEE) study
evaluated the status of family medicine/general practice (FM/GP) in the region. The study showed the
ongoing. Introduction of FM/GP into primary health care (PHC) in most of the countries, however, the
shift from the Semashko model has not been completed. After a decade FATMEE-2 study aimed to
reevaluate the status.
Methods
A key informants survey with the updated FATMEE questionnaire based on the literature and datasets
review.
Results
The data was collected in 7 EU-member states (Czech Republic, Croatia, Estonia, Poland, Romania,
Slovenia, and Slovakia), Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Speciality in FM/GP is present in all
of them. The role of FM/GP is officially regulated, in 5 countries as parliamentary law. The ratio of
FM/GP specialists in all PHC physicians varies, being the highest (>95%) in Estonia. FM/GP specialists
are mostly either independent contractors or their employees. The range of services is similar, with the
lowest engagement in O&G.
Conclusions
FM/GP seems to be firmly established in the healthcare systems, with an equal status to the other
medical specialities. In most cases, specialists in FM/GP do not consist majority of primary care
physicians. Further efforts in training and strengthening FM/GP as a discipline are needed, which
should be supported by a clear and state-supported policy. Amongst the studied, Estonia is the country
with the most complete Introduction of FM/GP into the PHC.
Abstract topic: Advocacy for Primary Care
Abstract ID: 1025
Presentation form: Short Lecture Presentation
Improving mobility and reducing frailty: long-term physiotherapy intervention in Catalonia primary
care
Cris Molas-Ferrer1)
1)
Physiotherapy, Equip Assistència Primària Vic, Vic, Spain
Introduction:
In 2023, physiotherapy professionals were integrated into primary care within the public healthcare
system of Catalonia, offering targeted exercise programs for individuals with frailty and pre-frailty,
among other services. These programs typically lasted for three months. However, it was recognized
that individuals with frailty or pre-frailty might require a longer duration to improve their functional
capacities effectively.
Method:
This case series descriptive study followed 26 participants over a year, divided into three trimesters,
with the aim to monitor the effects of the program on participants' physical function. Using the Short
Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), gait speed over 4 meters and the time for the Five-Repetition Sitto-Stand Test (5R-STS) were measured at baseline (T1i), after each intervention phase (T1f; T2f), and at
program Conclusion (T3f).
Results:
Gait speed decreased significantly over the program (T1i:1.11m/s, SD=1.30; T1f:1.03m/s, SD=0.66;
T2f:0.97m/s, SD=0.85; T3f:0.92m/s, SD=0.63). 5R-STS times exhibited minimal changes (T1i:13.16s,
SD=3.53; T1f:12.50s, SD=3.27; T2f:11.49s, SD=3.40; T3f:11.13s, SD=3.85) but showed a gradual trend
towards improvement.
Analysis:
Despite the small sample size, which limited the ability to reach statistical significance, the findings
suggest the potential for continued participation in physiotherapy programs to enhance physical
function gradually; especially as no variable seemed to reach a plateau over the year. Further research
is warranted to determine the program's long-term effects and optimize Outcomes in this population.
Conclusion:
Considering the nature of frailty and pre-frailty, longer interventions may be necessary to enhance
functional capacities effectively.
Abstract topic: Advocacy for Primary Care
Abstract ID: 1061
Presentation form: Lecture Presentation
Coordinated Care in Primary Health Care - Polish Implementation and Its International Impact
Aleksander Biesiada1, Mateusz Babicki2,1, Daria Zawodnik1, Karolina Kłoda1, Agnieszka MastalerzMigas2,1
1)
Polish Society of Family Medicine, Wrocław, Poland
2)
Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
Focus of the abstract: research
Introduction
Most national policies recognize the primacy of family medicine as the healthcare system gatekeeper.
This aligns with WHO guidelines, the Alma Ata Declaration, and the position of WONCA. The aim of this
study was to evaluate the implementation of a coordinated care model in Polish PHC over the first year,
in comparison to European models, and to consider its potential implications for other healthcare
systems in Europe.
Method
The study included data collected from October 1,2022, to December 31,2023 by the public payer
(NHF) in Poland, which tracked the increased number of PHC facilities implementing coordinated care,
the process of implementation, the timeline for adding new facilities, and the utilization of new tests
available.
Results
As of December 31, 2023, 33% of PHC facilities had implemented the coordinated care model.
Physicians conducted almost 600 thousand comprehensive consultations, including the planning of an
annual care plan per patient. There were 1.7 educational and 1.6 dietary consultations per patient.
Among the new added tests, UACR (nearly 40,000 tested), and Holter RR (80,000 tested) were the most
frequent.
Discussion
In some European countries, a limitation of the PHC physicians role can be seen. The systemic change
in Poland is a good example of how the PHC system can be continuously changed, improving access to
services while simultaneously expanding the competencies and possibilities of PHC physicians.
Conclusion
Effective change in the role of PHC physicians is possible even with initially unfavorable legal solutions,
when a pilot study and careful voluntary implementationis provided.
Abstract topic: Advocacy for Primary Care
Abstract ID: 1144
Presentation form: Short Lecture Presentation
Politics policy and action; lessons from rural GP advocacy in the Republic of Ireland
Shagun Tuli1, Peter Hayes2, Patrick O'Donoghue2, Fergus Glynn2, Robert Scully3, Andrew Murphy4, Bruce
Chater5, Liam Glynn2
1)
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hurley Medical Center, Michigan State University, Flint, Michigan, United
States
2)
University of Limerick, School of Medicine, Limerick, Ireland
3)
University of St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom
4)
National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
5)
University of Queensland, Quensland, Australia