Strengthening the model of primary health care in Estonia (2016)

Faced with increasing rates of chronic conditions, multi-morbidities and a growing elderly population, strengthening the primary health care model in Estonia is of critical importance. Moreover, recent health system reviews have signalled with clear consensus the importance of reviewing the organization of primary care to best respond to population and individual health needs.

In this context and backed by the available evidence, this assessment sets out to explore the organization of primary care looking to three key interrelated policy questions:

1. How can a population approach be adopted, with consideration in particular to the existing health information system?
2. What are the possible organizational models for primary care providers and settings that would match population needs? And further, how do these promote coordination with other services, such as services delivered in hospital and by social care? And,
3. How do health system enabling factors support the transformation of health services delivery in terms of accountability, incentives and health workforce competencies?

The assessment identifies applicable options based on innovative approaches and country experiences according to the variables reviewed. From these, eight policy recommendations are put forward for consideration in working to further strengthen the PHC model in Estonia.