Strengthening Primary Health Care in Europe: A Delphi study towards accessibility, equity and continuity of care
Ileana, Gefaell Larrondo ; Sara, Ares-Blanco ; Marina, Guisado-Clavero ; Joaquín, Mira, José ; Clara, Pérez Esteve ; Limor, Adler ; ; Milena, Kostić ; Achim, Mortsiefer ; Ferdinando, Petrazzuoli ... show 2 more
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Abstract
ntroduction: strengthening Primary health care (Phc) is essential for building resilientand equitable health systems, but Phc faces barriers in implementation, resourceallocation, and political prioritisation. this study aimed to develop a strategic roadmapto enhance Phc by identifying core values, priorities, and actionable strategies throughexpert consensus.Methods: a two-round Delphi study was conducted with 210 stakeholders from 35countries, including Phc professionals, policymakers, and public health experts.Participants evaluated the importance, feasibility, and policy prioritisation of key Phcvalues. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics.Results: the response rate was 81.4% (17½10) in round one and 73.5% (97/132) inround two. the majority of participants (89%) had a background in medicine.a consensus (>80% agreement) was reached in the first round regarding Phc values.Key recommendations included increasing investment in Phc workforce development,particularly in underserved areas; strengthening health information systems andintegrating telehealth solutions; enhancing Phc governance models to supportmultidisciplinary collaboration and citizen-centred care; and adapting processes toimprove chronic care management, end-of-life support, and standardised assessmentframeworks. in the second round, when participants assessed the feasibility of theserecommendations, agreement levels ranged from 61 to 92%. When asked about thepolicy prioritisation of these measures, agreement dropped, ranging from 22 to 51%
