Table 1.

The PCAT definitions of domains of primary health care

PRIMARY CARE DOMAINPCAT DEFINITIONNO. OF PCAT QUESTIONS
AccessibilityFirst-contact care
  • Care is first sought from the primary care provider for a new health or medical need

  • Usual entry point into the health care system

  • Includes

    • -accessibility

    • -utilization

Access: 12
Utilization: 3
Continuity of care
  • Relational or clinician continuity

  • Informational or record continuity

Continuous (ongoing) care
  • Longitudinal use of regular source of care

  • Relationship over time between providers and patient

15
Coordination of careLinking of health care visits and services for appropriate care for all health problemsCoordination of care: 9
Information systems: 3
Comprehensiveness of careRange of services available and services providedServices available: 25
Services provided: 13
  • PCAT—Primary Care Assessment Tool Adult Expanded Version.

    Data from Johns Hopkins Primary Care Policy Center.21