Unveiling the social value of primary care in Chile

Abstract

Objective. Describe the central elements relative to the social value and opportunities for improvement in primary health care that emerged from the national consultation process addressed to natural persons, health officials and members of civil society in Chile. Methods. Mixed research design, based on the national consultation developed in three stages between 2016 and 2017. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed on 10,145 individual online query responses and 408 coded conversational minutes. Qualitative analysis of 4 recorded conversations was performed and the final results were triangulated and embedded. Results. The highest participation in the three stages was from women, health workers, users of the public health system and in the 20-44 age bracket. Primary care is recognized as the guiding axis of the health system, vigilant of equity and social justice, with emphasis on promotion and prevention, assessing timely access, comprehensive care and delivery of medicines. However, the gaps to be corrected refer to the continuity of care, integrality, the strengthening of prevention, promotion and social participation, the promotion of respect as a fundamental value and the need to move towards constitutional changes that guarantee health as a right, beyond access. Conclusions. The social value of primary care attributed by individuals and civil society is high and positive; however, the opportunities for improvement detected will favor the guidance of public policies to strengthen primary care.