The Shared Principles of Primary Care
Our Professional Commitment to the American Public and the Shared Principles of Primary Care
The Shared Principles of Primary Care were developed in 2017 through an effort led by the Primary Care Collaborative that involved more than 350 stakeholders representing all aspects of health care. We stand firm in our commitment to these principles. While the social and political environment continues to change, the foundational importance of these principles has not changed. Motivated by the extent to which the social drivers of health are deeply influenced by structural racism, we support elevating health equity to stand as its own principle, with renewed professional attention. We understand that a multi-stakeholder process to effect this change is underway.
We also affirm that it is critically important for all patients to have personal clinicians committed to delivering longitudinal, person-centered care as part of a healing relationship that embodies these principles, and to have a system designed to deliver proactive care to a defined population of patients.
Person & Family Centered
Primary care is focused on the whole person – their physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual wellbeing, as well as cultural, linguistic and social needs.
Primary care is grounded in mutually beneficial partnerships among clinicians, staff, individuals and their families, as equal members of the care team. Care delivery is customized based on individual and family strengths, preferences, values, goals and experiences using strategies such as care planning and shared decision making.
Individuals are supported in determining how their family or other care partners may be involved in decision making and care.
There are opportunities for individuals and their families to shape the design, operation and evaluation of care delivery.
Continuous
Dynamic, trusted, respectful and enduring relationships between individuals, families and their clinical team members are hallmarks of primary care. There is continuity in relationships and in knowledge of the individual and their family/care partners that provides perspective and context throughout all stages of life including end of life care.
Comprehensive and Equitable
Primary care addresses the whole-person with appropriate clinical and supportive services that include acute, chronic and preventive care, behavioral and mental health, oral health, health promotion and more. Each primary care practice will decide how to provide these services in their clinics and/or in collaboration with other clinicians outside the clinic.
Primary care clinicians seek out the impact of social determinants of health and societal inequities. Care delivery is tailored accordingly.
Primary care practices partner with health and community-based organizations to promote population health and health equity, including making inequities visible and identifying avenues for solution.
Team-Based and Collaborative
Interdisciplinary teams, including individuals and families, work collaboratively and dynamically toward a common goal. The services they provide and the coordinated manner in which they work together are synergistic to better health.
Health care professional members of the team are trained to work together at the top of their skill set, according to clearly defined roles and responsibilities. They are also trained in leadership skills, as well as how to partner with individuals and families, based on their priorities and needs.
Coordinated and Integrated
Primary care integrates the activities of those involved in an individual’s care, across settings and services.
Primary care proactively communicates across the spectrum of care and collaborators, including individuals and their families/care partners.
Primary care helps individuals and families/care partners navigate the guidance and recommendations they receive from other clinicians and professionals, including supporting and respecting those who want to facilitate their own care coordination.
Primary care is actively engaged in transitions of care to achieve better health and seamless care delivery across the life span.
Accessible
Primary care is readily accessible, both in person and virtually for all individuals regardless of linguistic, literacy, socioeconomic, cognitive or physical barriers. As the first source of care, clinicians and staff are available and responsive when, where and how individuals and families need them.
Primary care facilitates access to the broader health care system, acting as a gateway to high-value care and community resources.
Primary care provides individuals with easy, routine access to their health information.
High-Value
Primary care achieves excellent, equitable outcomes for individuals and families, including using health care resources wisely and considering costs to patients, payers and the system.
Primary care practices employ a systematic approach to measuring, reporting and improving population health, quality, safety and health equity, including partnering with individuals, families and community groups.
Primary care practices deliver exceptionally positive experiences for individuals, families, staff and clinicians.