Perceptions of Stakeholders in the Primary Healthcare System Towards the Role of Family Physicians
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Abstract
Family physicians are key to the primary healthcare system, serving as “personal doctors” to the public. However, challenges persist, including limited interest in family medicine, insufficient financial support, and a lack of recognition. This study explores the perceptions of key stakeholders in the primary healthcare system regarding the role of family physicians.
A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Royal College of Family Physicians of Thailand. Stakeholders with at least two years of experience working with or knowledge of family physicians were surveyed between April 20, 2024, and August 20, 2024, using electronic questionnaires across 12 health regions. A total of 275 responses were collected. Most respondents agreed that family medicine is a specialized field requiring formal training and plays a crucial role in the healthcare system. They strongly supported the role of family physicians in primary care, noting their impact on improving specialized services, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, reducing the workload of secondary and tertiary hospitals, and enhancing the value of primary care services.
However, physicians perceived family physicians as less recognized within the medical community compared to non-physician groups. Additionally, administrators and physicians felt that the healthcare system provided insufficient support for family physicians to reach their full potential.
In conclusion, stakeholders view family physicians as essential to improving patient outcomes and the healthcare system. There is a need for more robust policies to increase family physicians and ensure broader recognition and support for their work.
Keywords: family physician, stakeholders, primary care, perception
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