The development of primary care in Israel

Primary care today in Israel is in a state of transition. Following many years of its being the second best alternative for patients and practitioners, economic constraints and lessons from other countries are ever more driving the need to establish primary care as the cornerstone of healthcare. The transition is complex, involving educational, political and economic issues. Raising the number of trainees in primary care specialties is a key goal. Efforts are underway to increase not only the number but also the quality of the training to ensure that specialists are better equipped to practice in primary care. Studies on the efficiency and effectiveness of services are being used as a basis for policy and manpower planning in the health services. The era of information technology in health services, together with acceptance by all of the need for accountability, is allowing more appropriate planning of primary care services - based on needs as well as demands. The interface of health with social well being is being moved close to the patient's home in the community through the appropriate use of primary care resources. More attention is being placed in Israel on the need for primary care workers with managerial skills, as well as the need for all primary care clinicians to have a basic understanding of the economic and administrative constraints in all healthcare systems.