Abstract
Primary care has been in the focus of health systems since the WHO Alma Declaration of 1978. Yet, most systems have struggled to build any primary care systems, as hospitals have continuously dominated the scene. Demographic changes and professional shortage are pushing health providers to consider new ways of organising care services. In the recent Astana Conference, the WHO confirmed the role of primary care and its relevance as a corner stone for the whole healthcare system.
This leads to ponder to which extent primary care services are able to solve, fully or even partially, problems detected in communities. Different models have evolved in western countries; nevertheless, persistence of solo practices or doctor-centred services are at stake. Now, times are mature for a revolution, with knowledge and capacity to build and manage reconfigured primary care systems. This appears to be the only chance to make health systems really sustainable, and more effective in delivering value for patients, communities and societies.
That is why we need some in-depth research on latest frameworks and experiences, on how primary care systems have been and need to be developed in modern health systems, looking at concepts and actions connected to new roles for healthcare professionals, population health management, chronic care, personalised care, patients’ experience, co-creation and co-production of health services, intermediate care and continuum of care.
Specific focus has been placed on how new paradigms are emerging in the “new normality” of health systems also in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they are translated into practice, which means the active engagement of general practitioners, nurses and other health professionals working in community services.
So, the question is… is there a real “reinassance” that primary care is having in modern health systems, as it could be inspired and deeply transformed by the new paradigms emerging within the health sector and so leading the way toward a real patient centred care?
And, what is the role of health management in this path? What are the needs for health management and leadership in primary care? After decades of focus on the engagement of hospital clinicians in health management it would be refreshing to see robust research in health leadership and health services delivery management targeted at primary care settings.
The floor is open at HSMR. Please, researchers from all over the world, dance with us.
November 2025
