Metrics for Assessing Improvements in Primary Health Care

Publication/Presentation Date

3-18-2014

Abstract

Metrics focus attention on what is important. Balanced metrics of primary health care inform purpose and aspiration as well as performance. Purpose in primary health care is about improving the health of people and populations in their community contexts. It is informed by metrics that include long-term, meaning- and relationship-focused perspectives. Aspirational uses of metrics inspire evolving insights and iterative improvement, using a collaborative, developmental perspective. Performance metrics assess the complex interactions among primary care tenets of accessibility, a whole-person focus, integration and coordination of care, and ongoing relationships with individuals, families, and communities; primary health care principles of inclusion and equity, a focus on people's needs, multilevel integration of health, collaborative policy dialogue, and stakeholder participation; basic and goal-directed health care, prioritization, development, and multilevel health outcomes. Environments that support reflection, development, and collaborative action are necessary for metrics to advance health and minimize unintended consequences.

Volume

35

First Page

423

Last Page

442

ISSN

1545-2093

Disciplines

Medical Specialties | Medicine and Health Sciences | Primary Care

PubMedID

24641561

Department(s)

Department of Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine Faculty

Document Type

Article

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