ID-5184 Wonca Abstracts supplement A-K 13-10-23 - Flipbook - Page 25
WONCA 2023 Supplement 1: WONCA 2023 abstracts (A–K)
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Preliminary analysis of the primary healthcare
demonstration project’s impact in Azerbaijan Shamakhi
District: Key findings and insights
Hande Harmancı2, A/Prof Mehmet Akman1, Kevser Vatansever3, Rashad Chobanli4, Araz Nasirov5,
Anar Israfilov5, Emin Huseyn6, Sekine Azizli5, Halil Ibrahim Durak2
1
WHO Azerbaijan, Marmara Medical School, East Mediterranean Medical School, 2WHO Country
Office, 3Consultant WHO Azerbaijan, 4The State Agency on Mandatory Health Insurance, 5The
Administration of the Regional Medical Divisions, 6Health Director of Shamakhi
Aim
The World Health Organization (WHO) Azerbaijan has implemented a primary healthcare (PHC)
demonstration project (PROACT-Care) in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan, aimed at promoting high-quality,
patient-centred primary care as the foundation of integrated community and individual health
services. This mixed-methods study evaluates the project’s outcomes in clinical practice and from the
perspectives of providers, patients and community leaders.
Content
Azerbaijan’s health system has a legacy of a Soviet Semashko-type health system and, like many
ex-USSR countries, the health infrastructure suffered from low investment in the 1990s. However, in
recent years, the country has undergone several health reforms. WHO’s demonstration project has
implemented a three-tier team-based organisational model for PHC adapted to contextual needs.
Quantitative results were obtained by analysing electronic health records and screening data between
September 2021 and August 2022, while qualitative results were obtained from mid-term evaluations
consisting of 11 focus group interviews and nine in-depth interviews.
Goals
During the implementation period, 1397 adults and 898 children received care for various health
problems and periodic examinations. Among adults, 39% had high blood pressure and 34% were
newly diagnosed with hypertension, while the figures for diabetes were 12% and 5%, respectively.
Among children under five years old (n = 320), 22% were wasted and 19% were stunted.
Qualitative analysis revealed improved accessibility, horizontal coordination and comprehensiveness
of PHC from both patient and provider perspectives. Capacity-building activities were reported to be a
strength of the project, with non-physician health personnel reporting significant improvements in their
capabilities.
However, challenges were reported, including insufficient understanding and commitment to PHC
principles among healthcare professionals and patients and the need for more permanent healthcare
workers. Overall, PROACT-Care has made significant strides in improving PHC in Shamakhi District,
Azerbaijan, with the potential for further growth and development in other parts of the country.
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