emergency service

Early models of primary health care focused on the prevention and control of communicable diseases. However, the health needs of the population are changing because of increased life expectancy, an ageing population and changes in disease patterns. There is an increasing need to provide health care within peoples’ homes and in local community settings. This includes acute, curative and rehabilitative care in addition to the promotion of health and prevention of illness. Existing models and approaches need to be adapted and developed to meet these changing needs and provide more effective support to individuals, families and communities, enabling them to make better use of existing resources. Traditionally, for many people, health care has been mostly provided by non formal caregivers. These caregivers have had little recognition for their contribution and little support from the health care system.

In this project proposal mobile health care is defined as an integrated system of care designed to meet the health needs of individuals, families and communities in their local settings. It includes primary prevention, i.e. prevention of health problems and/or diseases before they occur (health promotion and disease prevention); secondary prevention, i.e. early detection of problems or diseases and intervention (curative care and support); and tertiary prevention, i.e. correction and prevention of deterioration, rehabilitation and terminal care (rehabilitative care). It is underpinned by the partnership between health workers, clients/patients and members of the local community. mobile health care can be provided in numerous settings in the community, by various people including health professionals, care assistants, and non formal caregivers such as volunteers and family members.