Person-centred medicine in the context of primary care: a view from the World Organization of Family Doctors (Wonca)

Rationale, aims and objectives: Most professional medical care is provided in the community, and this determines the importance of primary care for the health care system. As family doctors are involved in the care of different health problems over time to the same individual, the personal dimension is strong. This paper analyses the importance of person-centred medicine from the perspective of primary care and family medicine.

Methods: The views and opinions of the leadership of the World Organization of Family Doctors, Wonca, provided the background material. Wonca brings together national colleges and academies of family medicine around the world.

Results: The community, with its social, cultural and economic characteristics, is an important determinant of illness, health and disease. This shapes the personal relation between patient and family physician, with its basis of trust, and determines the effectiveness with which primary care functions. Continuity and integration of care are important person-centred 'techniques'.

Conclusions: As the effectiveness of primary care is a major factor for overall effective health care, it is important to come to a better understanding of how to address the personal context of care and the mechanisms through which this determines outcome of care.