Vulnerable Groups in Primary Health Care: Brief Report of a Project Implementation in Lisbon.

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to measures that conditioned the response of health services. More research is needed on what measures may be undertaken to promote the stability of general practitioners (GPs).

Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe a project taking place in a primary health care (PHC) unit in Lisbon at the beginning of 2022, aiming to monitor vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women.

Method: A descriptive study design based on a case report was conducted.

Results: A rich internship field presented an opportunity to the training of future doctors specializing in Family Medicine and providing health services at the PHC level, which are considered essential in the Portuguese health system. Additionally, the problem of inequality in access to PHC is ameliorated, especially in a context with a high number of patients without an assigned GP.

Conclusions: Training of future doctors specializing in Family Medicine can be improved, and, at the same time, the problem of inequality in access to PHC is ameliorated. In order to lead a successful PHC, reform topics should be considered, such as the promotion of policies to retain professionals in the National Health Service.