Table 1.

Six key lessons for the global primary care response. Actions to achieve the implementation of key lessons.

Key lessons	Actions to achieve the implementation of key lessons
1. Improve collaboration, communication, and integration between PH and PCT	• To include PCTs in national taskforce for management of pandemics • PCTs cooperation at regional and local level with PH • Common health information system among PH and PCTs
2. Strengthen the primary health care system	• To consider centralised coordination of surveillance and infectious disease response. • Support to provide a mix healthcare service: virtual and a safe face-to-face
3. Define the role of primary care during pandemics	To recognise and support PCTs’ dual roles in providing clinical care and supporting PH control measures
4. Protect the PCTs and the community	• To define pathways of care for preventing disease transmission and ensuring safe and continued access to regular health care to patients. • PCTs access to appropriate PPE to guarantee their safety • PCT relevant training and guidelines which has impact on improving safe work practices while pandemic
5. Provide consistent, coordinated, and reliable information emanating from a common PC trusted source	• Common pandemic reported information to reinforce PCT interventions
6. Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions	• There is a need to embed research, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement into PHC from past pandemics to accelerate progress and provide real-time feedback and guidance to inform policy for future pandemics’ management

PH: public health; PC: primary care; PCTs: primary care teams; PPE personal protective equipment.

Source: Adapted from Desborough J, Dykgraaf SH, Phillips C, Wright M, Maddox R, Davis S, Kidd M. Lessons for the global primary care response to COVID-19: a rapid review of evidence from past epidemics. Fam Pract 2021;cmaa142. doi:10.1093/fampra/cmaa142.