The development of primary care services: Between structure and content

Van Weel C. The development of primary care services: between structure and content. Huisarts Wet 2016;59(6):254-6. There seems to be a global trend towards the restructuring of health systems, with emphasis on strong primary care services. In this respect, Flemish professors of general practice medicine have recently proposed a plan of action for a fundamental revision of Belgian health care. Central in this is the creation of social values – to develop an integral, person- and population-based approach, based on care needs, by means of sustainable confidentiality and continuity of care. In this article, the tenets of the plan are presented relative to international experience in the provision of primary care services. The Belgian initiative would appear to be relevant to more than just Belgian health care.