Primary health care

Primary health care is often the first point of contact individuals have with the health system and encompasses a broad range of professions and services. Some of these include:

• General practice
  A general practitioner (GP) is likely the first point of contact for personal health and is important in the coordination of care of patients and referral to other health care services. A GP cares for patients in a whole of person approach, in the context of their work, family and community.

• Primary health care nurses
  Primary health care nurses play a key role in keeping people healthy by providing proactive care and health promotion. They work in a range of settings, including community health, general practice, aged care and schools.
• Allied health
  The allied health sector represents a broad range of health professionals who are not doctors, dentists, nurses or midwives, and includes psychologists, optometrists and physiotherapists. Allied health professionals use evidence-based practices to prevent, diagnose and treat a range of conditions and illnesses.

Although primary health care is an important component of Australia’s health care system, the availability of primary health care data remains limited.

The AIHW is leading data and reporting improvement in the primary health care sector through various initiatives – see Data development section for more information.

Contact information: AIHW Primary Health Care Data Development Unit

Email: [email protected]