A medical center is a healthcare
facility which consists of staff and equipment for providing care to patients
for a large number of diseases and dysfunctions using advanced and
sophisticated technology. A medical care clinic contains funding mechanisms,
trained workforce, well maintained facilities, logistics and reliable
information. Health service providers include medical practitioners, nurses,
allied and other health care professionals, hospitals, clinics and government
agencies. Medical practice can be provided by both public and private sectors.
Primary medical health care is a
person’s first point of contact with the health system. Primary health care can
be provided in a variety of settings which includes general practitioners,
community health centers and allied health services. A high performing primary
health care practice incorporates the following methods:
Engaged
leadership, creating a practice wide, vision with concrete goals and objectives: Primary care needs
experts who work to provide reliable services and identify priorities for
improvement. Concrete and measurable goals and services are created.
Data driven
improvement using computer based technology: Data systems track the clinical, operational
and patients experience metrics. Simulation is used to evaluate improvements in
the system. Data charts may be displayed and performance data are discussed.
Empanelment: Each patient is linked to
a care team and primary care clinician and is continually monitored. A
relationship between the patients and the health professionals is established
for providing good quality health service.
Team based
care: health
professionals work as a team to share the responsibility of the panel. Together
the team solves the health related problems of the patients. Clinical and non
clinical staff may work side by side to provide a wider range of services.
Patient team
partnership: Patients are treated with respect and are engaged in shared decision
making. The goals of the patients are considered important and health coaching
may be provided to the patients with chronic conditions.
Population
management: patients which require assistance are identified by the health care
providers. Importance is given to the issues of the patient and the process is
overseen by a manager. This way costs can be reduced for patients needing
complex treatments. Assistance from outside the system may be provided to speed
up the process.
Continuity
of care:
Continuous care is provided to the patient especially for chronic illness and
this requires good coordination and understanding between the patient and the
healthcare professionals.
Prompt
access to care: Prompt assess of the healthcare for the patients is important to reduce
the waiting times for the patients. This is important for personal satisfaction
of the patient.
Comprehensive
care and coordination: Collaboration with hospitals, pharmacies and specialists is
required to overcome greater health related problems. Specialists are many a time
required and the health care providers at a primary care center need to
coordinate with them.
Template of
the future: Health care can be improved with the help of latest technology like
internet and telephones. The patient will have to wait less in this scenario. A
clinical leader is required to oversee the function of a healthcare team and the
system is redesigned to provide better care to the patients.
