Attributes and features of a community health model from the perspective of practitioners

Abstract

Background: The Family and Community Health Model is based on three essential principles: user-centered care, comprehensive care and continuity of care. Aim: To describe the attributes and characteristics of the guiding principles of the Family and Community Health Model (FHM) from the perspective of primary care experts. Material and Methods: This was a qualitative study. An electronic Delphi was conducted with 29 national experts on primary care. Results: The experts agree that user centered care must be based on a psycho-social model integrating the multiple factors that influence health problems. It also must integrate patients' individual features, family and environmental issues. The proposed actions promote shared decision making. To promote integral care, anticipatory guidelines should be expanded and health care of patients with chronic conditions should be improved. Continuity of care should be promoted increasing working hours of medical centers and easing access to integrated electronic medical records, thereby generating efficient links between the different care levels. Conclusions: The results of the study can guide the clinical and administrative management of health teams, allowing the strengthening of primary health care according to the local realities.