What you need to know about Primary Health Care

What is Primary Health Care?

Primary health care refers to basic, everyday health care. It is usually your first encounter with a health care provider when you need care or advice and could be visiting the family doctor or nurse practitioner, talking to a dietitian or a pharmacist, or calling a toll-free health advice line to talk to a health professional.

Primary health care is the foundation of the health care system and involves providing services, through a team of health professionals, to individuals, families and communities. It includes care for common illness, minor injury, management of ongoing problems, and all the services this team provides, in addition to education, activities such as exercise to maintain health. Primary health care involves a proactive approach to preventing health problems before they occur and ensuring better management and follow-up once a health problem has occurred.

What are the benefits of Primary Health Care?

• Preventive, curative, supportive, and rehabilitative services offered through a wide range of professionals
• Enhanced physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being through a holistic approach
• Management of chronic conditions through interdisciplinary team approach
• Improved health care for all who require services through decreased waiting lists, less pressure on emergency services, and a more sustainable health system

Primary Health Care is Based on 4 Key Pillars:

• Teams

Primary Health Care is about health care providers working in teams to improve the continuity of care, reduce

duplication and ensure you have access to appropriate health professionals. You are an important member of your health care team and are involved in decisions about your own health.

• Information

Primary Health Care is about improved coordination of information between health care providers and expanded access to information for Canadians using the health system or seeking health advice. It’s about using tools like electronic health records and diagnostic instruments to improve the quality, access and coordination of health information.

Primary Health Care also encourages greater sharing of information with you so you can make better decisions about your health and health care.

• Access

Primary Health Care is about improving access, and ensuring that you have greater access to

the right services when and where you need them. It recognizes that you need advice, information

and care outside of regular office hours.

Primary Health Care stresses providing greater access for more Canadians to health services.

• Healthy Living

Healthy living focuses on prevention, the management of chronic conditions, encouraging

support for self-care and the understanding that factors outside of the health system can influence individual and community health. It is about keeping you well, rather than just treating you after you have become sick

Who is part of a Primary Health Care team?

Members of a Primary Health Care team include:

• Social Workers
• Home Care Staff
• Emergency Medical Technicians
• Mental Health/Addictions Staff
• Certified Diabetes Educator
• Family Physicians
• Nurse Practitioner
• Public Health Nurses
• Dietitians
• Physiotherapists
• Lab/X-ray Technicians
• Admin Support Staff
• Nursing Staff
• Chronic Nurse Educators
• Pharmacists

***Midwifery services will begin in 2010

What is a Nurse Practitioner - RN(NP)?

RN(NP)s are Registered Nurses with enhanced knowledge and skills gained through additional education and clinical practice. The RN(NP) is not a doctor and does not replace the doctor, or any other member of the health care team.

What does a RN(NP) do?

• Works closely with your physician and other health care professionals
• Can complete physical exams, including cervical screening and breast health
• Diagnoses and treats minor and uncomplicated health issues
• Prescribes some medications
• Works with you to develop a personal plan to improve your health
• Is involved with education and health programming for the community

'PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IS THE RIGHT CARE AT THE RIGHT TIME FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY'

Chronic Disease Management Sessions:

The Cypress Health Region hosts a variety of chronic disease management sessions throughout the entire region.  Topics include tobacco cessation, cardiac education, and more.  Click on any of the links below for a monthly schedule of Chronic Disease Management classes:

February - 2012 (.pdf)