Does the establishment of universal health coverage drive the foundation of postgraduate education for primary care physicians?
Abstract: Studying the
formation of postgraduate training in primary care within countries which has
attained Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is important to support the
development of similar training in low-and middle-income countries aiming to
achieve UHC by 2030. This review aims to describe the state of postgraduate
training for primary care physicians in UHC-attaining countries.
Methods: A literature review of published literature and official
documents from the websites of regional and global health/primary care
organizations or societies such as World Health Organization (WHO), World
Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA), European Forum for Primary Care,
European Union of General Practitioners (GP)/Family Physicians (FP), European
Academy of Teachers in GP/Family Medicine (FM), as well as the websites of
GP/FP organizations in each of the respective countries. The list of UHC
attained countries were identified through WHO and International Labor
Organization databases.
Results: A total number of 72 UHC-attained countries were identified.
Postgraduate education for primary care physicians exists in 62 countries
(86%). Explicit statements that establish primary care postgraduate training
were corresponded with the policy on UHC is found in 11 countries (18%). The
naming of the program varies, general practice and family medicine were the
commonest. In 33 countries (53%), physicians are required to undertake training
to practice in primary level. The program duration ranged from 2–6 years with 3
years for the majority.
Conclusion: Although UHC is not the principal driving force for the
establishment of postgraduate training for primary care physicians in many
countries, most UHC-attaining countries make substantial endeavor to ensure its
formation as a part of their health care reform to improve national health.
Keywords: family medicine;
general practice; primary care physician; universal health coverage;
postgraduate training
Author: Indah S. Widyahening,
Rodri Tanoto, Fedri Rinawan, Elsa P. Setiawati, Zorayda E. Leopando
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg170227
