Measuring Access to Primary Care: Essential Public Health Partners
When we speak about access to primary care, we immediately think of the direct services provided by physicians, nurses, and other health professionals. However, the infrastructure that supports and analyzes the proportion of health professionals serving the population, with a critical eye on the disparities faced by the most vulnerable in our society, is the often silent but essential partner in effectively addressing access issues. Consistent with the Healthy People 2010 objectives, the federal Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) provides critical leadership and resources to support a national network of primary care offices (PCOs) that works diligently on improving access to health care, particularly for the underserved.
The mantra of 100% Access/Zero Health Disparity is BPHC's resounding theme. This call to action resonates strongly through each state's Office of Primary Care. A key responsibility for this cadre of public health professionals includes analysis of provider and population data to support the need for essential health care providers in underserved areas. Other core PCO functions include collaboration in developing and recruiting high quality community responsive health professionals through liaisons with academic training programs and professional organizations. By building collaborative relationships both within and outside of state government, PCOs can increase access to primary care and help target resources for the mutual benefit of primary care providers and community-based organizations. By leveraging resources, PCOs function as change agents to facilitate improved access to health care for the entire population.
Learning Objectives: Enhance knowledge of a national network of Offices of Primary Care Improve communication between policy makers, health professionals and state bureaucracies
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Rhode Island Department of Health
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.