Primary health care in the age of advanced technology and modern medicine: Perspectives of future Filipino doctors
- Author:
Ramon Jason M. Javier
1
;
Enfu Keith C. Shoda
;
Christianne D. Cabanos
;
Christian Protacio G. Betita
;
Author Information
1. Ramon Jason M. Javier, MD, MSTM, Department of Preventive and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Inc., 64 Aurora Boulevard, Barangay Dona Imelda, Quezon City, PH 1113
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
patient-centered;
family-focused;
communityoriented healthcare
- MeSH:
Universal Health Care;
Delivery of Health Care;
Primary Health Care;
Patient-Centered Care
- From:
Health Sciences Journal
2021;10(1):47-54
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
INTRODUCTION:In a healthcare system that has been specialty-centric for decades, the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act would try to refocus on primary health care (PHC) to better navigate the entire healthcare delivery system of the country. This paper determined the perception of clinical clerks on the relevance of UHC and PHC on the practice of medicine in the Philippines.
METHODS:Clinical clerks rotating in Community Medicine were surveyed and focus group discussions were conducted to elicit the viewpoints of the students. Thematic analysis of the responses was subsequently performed.
RESULTS:Majority of the 247 student-respondents viewed UHC and primary health care (PHC) as relevant, however, some did not see the need to shift the focus of care from a specialty-centric orientation to that of a PHC approach. Medical students still dream of becoming specialists, and the idea of general medicine practice was not very popular among them. There were negative perceptions on essential healthcare at the community setting, given the inadequacy of medical facilities and technology, medications, and healthcare services in the locality.
CONCLUSION:Sociopolitical factors remained important determinants of health, which often resulted in service delivery inequities, making access to health difficult for the marginalized and indigent. Given the efforts of the government to champion UHC amid the advances in modern medicine often localized in urban areas in the country, PHC was viewed to be relevant albeit not a priority for future Filipino doctors.
- Full text:Health Sciences Journal 10.1 Jan-June 2021.1 Jan-June 2021.1 Jan-June 2021-52.pdf
