Implications of primary health care integration among a group of upper Egyptian women: a community based study

ABSTRACT

Integration of the fragmented vertical program is crucial for the efficiency and effectiveness of the primary health care [PHC] services. Therefore, identification of the strengths and challenges confronting the integration process through family medicine [FM] approach in some pilot projects will give insight to the potential to capitalize on the gains achieved. The study is an operations research, post intervention design. It used a test health facility [PHC unit implementing FM approach in rural Upper Egypt], and a comparative health facility in a demographically matched village [PHC unit operating according to the traditional PHC vertical programs]. Data sources were household survey, service statistics, and in depth interviews with the principal official stakeholders. The findings show that, the volume of services delivered in the test group showed initial increase. However, with no pronounced community satisfaction As well, the profile of utilization pattern did not show improvement specially for the women. The study recommended the gradual informed introduction of the concept of integration for all the concerned stakeholders including the served community.