Serving primary health care: a national action programme for primary care in Finland

Abstract

Abstract In Finland, municipalities are responsible for organizing primary health care (PHC). Current challenges include recruitment problems, especially concerning physicians and dentists; system-centred planning; and overall focus in specialized care and problems in access to care. A national action programme for primary care was launched in 2008 to respond to the challenges. Legislative amendments were carried out. Local and regional development projects were endorsed with financial support from a national development programme for social and health care. The action programme consists of 24 actions, focusing on three domains: Mission clarification: The value of PHC is in the health gain it produces. The main action is the national implementation of the chronic care model. Patient to the centre: A new legislation increasing patient choice was approved by Parliament. Support for better self-management and empowerment is implemented. Personnel: Changes in education and division of responsibilities between physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals are implemented. Evaluation of the programme will take place in 2011. Professional societies were involved in the PHC programme from the beginning as partners. This has created a strong commitment to the programme among professionals. The current economic depression is a challenge, but also an opportunity for the programme.