INTEGRATION BETWEEN PRIMARY CARE AND FAMILY HEALTH: CHALLENGES AND POTENTIAL IN PROMOTING PUBLIC HEALTH
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/levv16n51-002Keywords:
Primary Health Care, Family Health Strategy, Health Integration, Health Promotion, Public HealthAbstract
Primary Health Care (PHC), when integrated with the Family Health Strategy (FHS), represents a fundamental foundation for organizing integrated, effective health systems that focus on collective needs. This narrative literature review aimed to analyze the main challenges and potential of integrating PHC and FHS in promoting collective health. Twelve scientific articles published between 2023 and 2025 were selected through searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO, addressing national and international experiences on collaborative models, professional training, governance, and intersectoral coordination. The findings indicate that fragmentation of services, the lack of interoperable information systems, the shortage of trained professionals, and institutional resistance to interprofessional collaboration are among the main obstacles to full integration. On the other hand, successful experiences in different countries demonstrate that the adoption of patient-centered models, the strengthening of local leadership, multidisciplinary teamwork, and community-based training promote significant advances in the quality and continuity of care. The conclusion is that integration between PHC and ESF is feasible and desirable, provided it is supported by stable public policies, the appreciation of teams, and an ethical commitment to equity and social justice in health. The results highlight the urgency of transforming institutional practices and structures to consolidate primary care that truly coordinates care and promotes public health.
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