The organisation of primary care in Europe: Part 1 Trends – position paper of the European Forum for Primary Care

Meads, Geoffrey PhD MA(Oxon) MSc(Tech)

Hon Professor of International Health Studies, Institute of Health Sciences Research, Warwick Medical School, UK

FUNDING

The European Forum for Primary Care received funding for the preparation of this position paper from the Dutch Ministry of Welfare, Health and Sports (Department of Public Health).

PEER REVIEW

Commissioned; not externally peer reviewed.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

None.

ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE

Geoffrey Meads, Institute of Health Sciences Research, Warwick Medical School, UK. Email: [email protected]

Received 4 November 2008

Accepted 3 February 2009

Quality in Primary Care 17(2):p 133-143, 2009.

Aim

To describe and classify contemporary organisational developments in primary care across Europe.

Method

Ten case studies have been undertaken at local sites which are exemplars of organisational practice nominated by national leaders and international experts. The selection is informed by a comprehensive literature and documentary review, with expert advice from members of the European Forum for Primary Care.

Results

A profile of organisational development trends is indicated, confirming the status of the extended general practice, the growth in managed care enterprises and the omission of service models prominent in other continents.

Conclusion

The risks as well as the opportunities arising from the enlargement of Europe, with its vulnerable polyclinic and medical cabinet models, are highlighted, with further discussion and analysis to follow in Part 2 of the position paper.