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The following is a summary of “Implementing primary care concepts in higher education: a mixed method study in Flanders (Belgium),” published in the December 2024 issue of Primary Care by Vanneste et al.
The policy shift toward person-centered care focuses on higher education primary care. In Flanders, the Primary Care Academy (PCA) integrates key concepts into curriculum for a future-proof health system.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to explore how lecturers implement primary care concepts in the curriculum.
They applied a sequential explanatory mixed method design, integrating quantitative and qualitative data. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 276 Flemish healthcare education programs and focus groups with lecturers were used to collect qualitative data.
The results showed that 89% of higher education programs address goal-oriented care, self-management, and interprofessional collaboration. Self-management is covered in 58%, goal-oriented care in 73%, and interprofessional collaboration in 80%. These concepts are often introduced at a basic level in courses.
The results showed that 89% of higher education programs address goal-oriented care, self-management, and interprofessional collaboration. Self-management is covered in 58%, goal-oriented care in 73%, and interprofessional collaboration in 80%. The themes are often limited to introductory levels. Focus groups revealed that lecturers are unaware of where primary care is integrated in their programs and expressed a need for more collaboration between research, education, and practice. They also want new concepts to be translated into educational content, learning objectives, and competencies.
Investigators found that implementation varied while primary care concepts were present in higher education programs. Lecturers highlighted the need for greater collaboration and a competence profile to guide curriculum development.
Source: bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-024-02670-4
