Health Equity: The Only Path Forward for Primary Care

Tracey L. Henry, Jacqueline B. Britz, Joshua St Louis, Richard Bruno, Carlos Irwin A. Oronce, Andrew Georgeson, Braveen Ragunanthan, Maya M. Green, Neeti Doshi, Alison N. Huffstetler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The 2021 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report on Implementing High-Quality Primary Care identifies 5 high-level objectives regarding payment, access, workforce development, information technology, and implementation. Nine junior primary care leaders (3 internal medicine, 3 family medicine, 3 pediatrics) invited from broad geographies, practice settings, and academic backgrounds used appreciative inquiry to identify priorities for the future of primary care. Highlighting the voices of these early career clinicians, we propose a response to the report from the perspective of early career primary care physicians. Health equity must be the foundation of the future of primary care. Because Barbara Starfield’s original 4 Cs (first contact, coordination, comprehensive-ness, and continuity) may not be inclusive of the needs of under-resourced communities, we promote an extension to include 5 additional Cs: convenience, cultural humility, struc-tural competency, community engagement, and collaboration. We support the NASEM report’s priorities and its focus on achieving health equity. We recommend investing in local communities and preparatory programs to stimulate diverse individuals to serve in health care. Finally, we support a blended value-based care model with risk adjustment for the social complexity of our patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)175-178
Number of pages4
JournalAnnals of family medicine
Volume20
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2022

Keywords

  • health equity
  • primary health care
  • risk adjustment
  • social justice
  • workforce

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Family Practice

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