Global primary care research challenges

Abstract

Healthcare needs are changing globally as people live longer, but not necessarily in better health. Increased population migration is leading to culturally diverse patient populations with more diverse health needs and expectations. The provision of accessible and equitable primary care poses workforce, infrastructure and management challenges for high- and lower-middle income countries that transcend national borders. In this special issue, we describe ‘global primary care’ as primary care training, research and service delivery that places a priority on the needs and overall health of individuals and their communities, to advance health equity worldwide. Given this nascent definition, what should ‘global primary care research’ look like? The following case demonstrates the breadth of physical, mental, and social issues a primary care practitioner must consider when faced with a patient from a marginalised group in an inner-city practice and why training and research must have a focus on equity.