Information Systems in Primary Health Care

Abstract

There exist many definitions of primary health care. It is assumed here that this represents the first contact of the patient with a physician for an episode of perceived illness whether it be physical or psychological and possibly accompanied by social difficulties. Most episodes of illness are self-limiting especially in the young and chronic disease more a feature of the elderly. In some countries specialists in their office practice may carry out primary care but it is usually not their main activity. Fewer specialised investigative facilities are available or are used in primary care than in secondary or tertiary care.