INTEGRATED HEALTH CARE SERVICES AS A CURRENT CHALLENGE FOR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE: REFLECTIONS FROM CRETE, GREECE.

This paper addresses the issue of integrated care services as a current challenge for primary health care in Europe. It is focused on an operational definition of integrated care and documents its relevance to the recent declaration of the World Health Organization regarding primary health care. The paper also reports on experiences gained and lessons learned in Greece, a country where initial attempts towards integration of public health into primary care are currently unfolding. Additionally, it discusses the limited involvement of patients, families, and communities in health care, as well as relative absence of advocacy and care coordination at a policy level. The need for training stakeholders to define and promote integrated care is highlighted as an essential component of translating new concepts into concrete health care actions. Finally, when discussing development and implementation of a well-coordinated and integrated primary health care system, the paper provides ideas for further consideration. The present report is anticipated to open the dialogue between health care professionals, stakeholders, policy makers, and the public towards the integration of health services in contemporary Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]