On 22-23 July, experts met in Geneva to raise key issues in support of Primary Care Systems Profiles and Performance (PRIMASYS) – a new initiative being implemented by the Alliance. PRIMASYS aims to lend a new perspective to existing knowledge on primary care systems by adding an understanding of the dynamic processes and contextual factors that impact health systems performance. Through the development of case studies, PRIMASYS will support policy-makers, practitioners, development agencies, and other similar entities think strategically about health systems issues.
To ensure rigour, credibility and relevancy of case studies for decision-making purposes, primary care experts were invited to contribute to the research methodology that will be employed to develop the case studies. Over the two-day consultation, key elements of inquiry to include were debated, and particular importance was placed on context sensitivity, depth, systems thinking, learning emphasis and complementarity. Presentations on experiences and lessons learned from decentralized health systems and health reforms in Thailand, Brazil, India and Malawi were also shared.
Over the next three years, 20 case studies will be undertaken across select low- and middle-income countries. PRIMASYS is being led by the Alliance, in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and with the participation of the WHO Department for Service Delivery and Safety.
For more information, contact Etienne Langlois (langloise@who.int)