Assessing, measuring, improving PHC

Turning a political commitment into reality on the ground begins with a thorough, evidence-based understanding of the existing system. In other words, before taking action, countries will need to carry out an assessment of the current state of PHC. There are a number of tools available to carry out such an evaluation. 

In WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean region, for example, existing indicators have been adapted to regional realities to create the PHCMI (Primary Health Care Measurement and Improvement) initiative, which enables countries in the region to evaluate existing health systems and approaches.

PHCPI, the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative, through its Vital Signs Profiles, also provides a great deal of data to assist countries in evaluation and decision-making.

Once the data is available, and the decisions are made, it is time for implementation. To that end, WHO has, with the support of partners, created the PHC Operational Framework. This document outlines a number of PHC levers which countries can use to guide the move to a PHC model. 

And to assist countries in judging the results of their efforts and determining whether or not they are on track to meet their goals, a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. 

Primary health care encompasses a broad spectrum of areas and activities, including (but not limited to): rehabilitation, health workforce, mental health, digital health, sexual and reproductive health, and quality, among others. To assist countries and health professionals to understand how each of these areas is implicated in primary health care, WHO has produced the Technical Series on Primary Health Care.