Public-Private Partnerships in Primary Healthcare

Article type
Authors
Doshmangir L1, Judian N1, Mahdavi M2, Gordeev VS3
1Health Services Management Research Center, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz
2National Institute of Health Research, Tehran Universality of Medical Sciences, Tehran
3Pragmatic Clinical Trials Unit, Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Queen Mary University of London, London
Abstract
Background:
The Astana Declaration on Primary Health Care reiterated that primary health care (PHC) is a cornerstone of a sustainable health system for universal health coverage (UHC) and health-related Sustainable Development Goals. It called for governments to give high priority to PHC in partnership with their public and private sector organizations and other stakeholders. Each country has a unique path towards UHC and different models for public-private partnerships (PPPs) are possible.

Objectives:
The goal of our work was to examine evidence on the use of PPPs in the provision of PHC services, as well as reported challenges and recommendations.

Methods:
We systematically reviewed peer-reviewed studies in six databases (Science Direct, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, and Scopus) and supplemented it by the grey literature search. PRISMA reporting guidelines were followed. The results of 61 studies were included in the review.

Results:
Most of PPPs projects were implemented to facilitate a provision of and increase access to prevention and treatment services (i.e., tuberculosis, education and health promotions, malaria and HIV/AIDS services) for specific target groups. PPPs projects faced challenges during the starting and implementation phases. Challenges and recommendations related to PPPs in PHC were reported for education, management, human resources, financial resources and information and technology systems.

Conclusions:
Despite various challenges, PPPs in PHC can facilitate access to health care services, especially in remote areas. Governments should consider longterm plans and sustainable policies to start PPPs in PHC and should not ignore local needs and context.

Patient or healthcare consumer involvement:
Not applicable.