2.K. Practice session: Advancing primary health care in Europe: implementation of best practices through CIRCE-JA
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Primary Health Care (PHC) plays a key role in achieving resilient, equitable, and sustainable health systems. It aims at a holistic, person-centered approach to health, addressing physical, mental, and social needs across the lifespan. Strengthening PHC has become a priority in the European Union, especially in the post-COVID-19 context, where integrated and accessible services are critical for both recovery and preparedness. With funding from the EU4Health programme, the Joint Action on the transfer of best praCtices In pRimary CarE (CIRCE-JA) was launched in February 2023 to promote the transfer and implementation of 6 evidence-based best practices (BPs) in PHC in 39 new implementation sites across 12 Member States. This workshop aims to present the progress made within CIRCE-JA in how these best practices are being transferred and implemented in diverse national and regional health systems. The added value of the session lies in providing real-world insights into the transfer and implementation process, including strategic alignment with the local context of new implementation sites, the related adaptation challenges, and early impacts on care delivery. The workshop will feature presentations and interactive discussions highlighting the contribution of CIRCE-JA to PHC transformation through the strengthening of multidisciplinary teams, enhancement of integrated care for chronic and vulnerable populations, and reinforcement of health promotion at community level. The workshop will begin with an overview of the CIRCE-JA initiative and its implementation framework. It will then move to specific examples from the field, showcasing selected implementation sites and the strategies used to adapt BPs to local contexts. These case examples will emphasize shared challenges (e.g., integration with national policies, workforce constraints), enablers (e.g., peer learning, strong coordination), and transferable lessons relevant to other countries and initiatives. The format of the workshop will be highly participatory. Following brief presentations, panellists will be invited to share their perspectives and experiences through guided discussion. This format is designed to foster mutual learning and problem-solving, especially regarding barriers and solutions related to transferring innovative approaches in PHC. The session will also explore how these insights can inform sustainable policy development and support the establishment of a ‘European Primary Healthcare Observatory'-a key CIRCE-JA deliverable. This workshop brings together project implementers, policymakers, and health professionals to reflect critically on the state of PHC transformation in Europe and how to co-develop solutions that can broaden healthcare reforms across the EU. Key messages • PHC innovations can be implemented across countries through structured transfer and local adaptation. • Lessons about addressing PHC reform challenges and informing sustainable national and regional strategies will be shared. Speakers/Panellists Radivoje Pribakovic NIJZ, Ljubljana, Slovenia Elena Petelos CSFM & HSR-PH Lab, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
Author: Chair persons: Ana M Carriazo (Spain)
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,181
OpenAlex ID: W7101412406
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