Primary care: Essential, evolving, tackling challenges

Mei Ling Tan

doi:10.35841/aaagim-9.3.296

Mini Review - Archives of General Internal Medicine (2025) Volume 9, Issue 3

Primary care: Essential, evolving, tackling challenges

Mei Ling Tan^*

Department of Family Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore

*Corresponding Author:: Mei Ling Tan
Department of Family Medicine
National University of Singapore, Singapore.
E-mail: meilng.tan@nus.edu.sg

Received : 01-Jul-2025, Manuscript No. aaagim-296; Editor assigned : 03-Jul-2025, PreQC No. aaagim-296(PQ); Reviewed : 23-Jul-2025, QC No aaagim-296; Revised : 01-Aug-2025, Manuscript No. aaagim-296(R); Published : 12-Aug-2025 , DOI : 10.35841/aaagim-9.3.296

Citation: Tan ML. Primary care: Essential, evolving, tackling challenges. aaagim. 2025;09(03):296.

Visit for more related articles at Archives of General Internal Medicine

Introduction

Primary care forms the crucial foundation of a resilient health system, consistently adapting to diverse population needs. It plays a pivotal role in fostering health equity by actively addressing disparities in access and outcomes. A strong, equity-focused primary care system, integrated with community initiatives and policy support, can be a powerful lever for change, with targeted interventions significantly reducing health inequities[1].

Managing multiple chronic conditions (multimorbidity) presents ongoing challenges in primary care. Systematic reviews show that comprehensive, coordinated integrated models lead to better patient outcomes and improved quality of life. This underscores the need for tailored, patient-centered care plans that effectively merge various health services within primary care[2].

Integrating mental health services into primary care is another key strategy for improving access. Successful approaches include co-located care, collaborative models, and enhanced provider training, though challenges like stigma and resource limitations require ongoing effort[3].

The rapid expansion of telehealth has transformed primary care service delivery. Systematic reviews indicate that telehealth improves access, especially for remote populations, and maintains quality for many conditions. However, the cost implications are mixed, necessitating further research to understand long-term economic effects and ensure equitable access[4].

Preventive care, specifically cancer screening, is vital, and primary care-based interventions significantly increase screening rates through provider reminders, patient education, and multi-component strategies[5].

Despite these advancements, the primary care workforce faces considerable strain. Physician burnout is a growing concern, impacting provider well-being and patient care quality. Systematic reviews identify high rates of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization linked to workload, administrative burden, and lack of control. Addressing these factors through systemic and organizational changes is critical for retaining a healthy workforce[6].

Digital health innovations, including mobile apps, wearables, and Electronic Health Records, offer promising avenues for enhancing primary care. They can improve efficiency, patient engagement, and remote monitoring. Yet, challenges persist concerning interoperability, data security, and digital literacy gaps, requiring careful consideration for successful implementation[7].

A broader shift toward value-based care models aims to improve quality and outcomes over volume. These models foster greater care coordination, enhance preventive services, and improve patient experience. While cost savings evidence is developing, this shift encourages more holistic, patient-centered care, potentially leading to better health system efficiency[8].

Furthermore, integrating pharmacists into primary care teams optimizes medication management and improves outcomes. Reviews show pharmacist involvement leads to better medication adherence, reduced adverse drug events, and improved control of chronic conditions, supporting their expanded role in enhancing patient safety and treatment efficacy[9].

Finally, addressing social determinants of health (SDoH) is increasingly recognized as crucial. Primary care is uniquely positioned for this, with efforts like screening for social needs and linking patients to community resources. Nevertheless, barriers such as lack of standardized tools, limited resources, and insufficient training highlight the need for comprehensive strategies to effectively tackle SDoH[10].

Conclusion

Primary care is at the forefront of addressing complex health challenges. It plays a crucial role in fostering health equity by tackling disparities and integrating with community initiatives[1]. Managing multiple chronic conditions benefits from comprehensive, coordinated primary care models that improve patient outcomes and quality of life[2]. Integrating mental health services through co-located care and collaborative models also enhances access, though resource limitations persist[3]. The expansion of telehealth has transformed service delivery, improving access for remote populations and maintaining care quality, but its long-term economic impact requires more study[4]. Effective primary care interventions, including provider reminders and patient education, significantly boost cancer screening rates[5]. However, the primary care workforce faces substantial challenges, with high rates of physician burnout linked to workload and administrative burdens[6]. Digital health innovations, from mobile apps to Electronic Health Records, offer opportunities for efficiency and patient engagement, yet grapple with interoperability and data security issues[7]. Value-based care models encourage coordination and preventive services, aiming for more patient-centered care and long-term efficiency[8]. Integrating pharmacists into primary care teams improves medication adherence and chronic condition management[9]. Finally, addressing social determinants of health is a critical, evolving area for primary care, despite challenges like a lack of standardized tools and resources[10]. The evidence collectively points to primary care as a dynamic and essential component of a responsive health system, continuously adapting to meet diverse patient and systemic needs.