Primary Health Care (PHC) Overview - Lecture Notes Flashcards

A set of practice-style Q&A flashcards covering PHC concepts, Alma-Ata principles, SPHC vs CPHC, Malaysia PHC structure, PHC reforms, epidemiology basics, and related topics from the lecture notes.

What is Primary Health Care (PHC)?

A people-centred, universally available approach to health that includes health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care; it is coordinated across levels of care and delivered as first-contact care at primary health centers.

How does PHC differ from Primary Care?

PHC is a broad, community-oriented approach with intersectoral action and universal access; primary care is the first-contact, outpatient medical care within the health system.

What was the key outcome sought in the Alma-Ata Declaration (1978)?

Health for All; essential health care made universally accessible to individuals and communities.

What are the core elements of PHC as described by Alma-Ata?

Universal access to essential health care, community participation, appropriate technology, and resource use aligned with social/economic development and a focus on prevention.

What does Selective Primary Health Care (SPHC) emphasize?

Targeted, cost-effective interventions with high impact through disease-specific programs (e.g., GOBI-FFF).

What does the acronym GOBI-FF stand for?

Growth Monitoring, Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT), Breastfeeding, Immunization, Family Planning, Female Education, Food Supplementation.

What is Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC)?

A broad, holistic approach with intersectoral collaboration, community-based and equity-focused strategies that integrate prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and care of the sick.

What is Selective Primary Health Care (SPHC)?

A focused, disease-specific approach targeting high-impact interventions with measurable short-term results.

Name one key way PHC supports Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

By providing universal, accessible, people-centred care and coordinating services across levels to prevent illness and provide ongoing care.

Name the five Alma-Ata principles of PHC.

Access based on need (not ability to pay); health equity and social justice; community participation; intersectoral collaboration; appropriate technology; emphasis on prevention.

Give examples of intersectoral sectors that contribute to PHC.

Education, Agriculture, Water & Sanitation, Housing, and Transport.

What is Appropriate Technology in PHC?

Technology that is simple, affordable, acceptable, locally adaptable, and involves community input with a focus on sustainability.

What is the difference between Comprehensive PHC and Selective PHC in practice?

CPHC is horizontal and broad (integrated services); SPHC is vertical and targeted (specific diseases/interventions).

What is the Astana Declaration (2018) about PHC?

Reaffirmed PHC as the foundation of sustainable health systems, calling for digital health, intersectoral collaboration, and people-centred care.

What is the 3-tier health care system in Malaysia (as described in the notes)?

Main health centres (~50,000 people), health sub-centres (~10,000 people; 4–6 sites), and Midwife clinics (~2,000 people; 4–6 sites).

What is the 2-tier health care system in Malaysia?

Main health centres and Community Clinics (Klinik Desa); main centres 15,000–20,000 people; community clinics 2,000–4,000 people.

What is the purpose of Transit Birthing Centres/ABC in MOH Malaysia?

To provide better care for low-risk pregnant mothers and deliver in an environment closer to home.

List the eight core elements of PHC in Malaysia (as shown in the notes).

Education concerning health problems and prevention; Promotion of nutrition; Safe water and basic sanitation; Maternal and child health including family planning; Immunization; Prevention and control of locally endemic diseases; Appropriate treatment of common diseases and injuries; Provision of essential drugs.

What are some benefits of PHC reform in Malaysia?

More structured PHC development; more modern clinics near patients; improved human resources; expanded services like Family Medicine Specialists and ICT integration.

Name two components of Malaysia’s PHC infrastructure expansion (1Malaysia era).

Klinik 1Malaysia, Mobile Clinic (bus/boat), and community outreach programs.

What is Teleprimary Care (TPC) in Malaysia?

An information and communication technology (ICT) system linking PHC clinics with hospitals to share electronic medical records, enable remote consultations, and provide rapid alerts.

What are four indicators used in PHC Quality Assurance (QA)?

Appropriate management of asthma, appropriate management of diabetes, appropriate admission to medical wards, and client-friendly clinics.

Define epidemiology in the context of PHC.

The study of the distribution and determinants of disease frequency in human populations; the basic science of public health used to plan and target resources.

What is the incubation period in epidemiology?

The time between entry of the infectious agent into the host and the appearance of the first signs or symptoms.

Differentiate infectious disease, contagious disease, and communicable disease.

Infectious disease: clinically manifested disease from infection; Contagious disease: easily transmitted by contact; Communicable disease: infectious illness transmitted directly or indirectly.

What is a disease reservoir?

A living or nonliving reservoir (person, animal, plant/soil) in which the infectious agent lives and multiplies.

What is a disease carrier?

A person who harbors the infectious agent but does not have the disease and can still spread it.

Define Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and its formula.

IMR = (Number of infant deaths <1 year / Total number of live births) x 1000.

Define Crude Birth Rate (CBR) and its formula.

CBR = (Total births / Mid-year population) x 1000.

Define Crude Death Rate (CDR) and its formula.

CDR = (Total deaths / Mid-year population) x 1000.

Name some roles of PHC nurses.

Educator/Advocate, Quality Controller, Collaborator, Advisor, Consultant, Health Care Provider, Manager, Researcher.

What are some key elements of PHC informatics and ICT in Malaysia?

Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Telehealth, Teleprimary Care, MyKad/MyKid-based processes, data sharing and data centers.

What is the role of the nurse in epidemiology and PHC?

Identify and investigate issues, participate as a team member, prevent/control infectious diseases, teach and supervise others, and contribute to public health planning.

What are the essential components of Family Health Division in PHC?

MCH/Family Planning/Immunization; Outpatient Laboratory Services; Environment Health; Essential Drugs; Home Care/Visit; Health Surveillance; Occupational Health.

What is the purpose of intersectoral approaches in PHC?

To address the broader determinants of health by coordinating across sectors (education, agriculture, water/sanitation, housing) for sustainable health solutions.