Realising the Life Course Approach in primary health practice towards optimising person-centred care in the Western Cape, South Africa
1
Clinical content, Knowledge Translation Foundation, Cape Town, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1676
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The Western Cape health department has adopted a life course approach to service delivery, acknowledging that key phases, transitions and events shape the trajectory of an individual’s health over their lifespan [1]. Accordingly, the disease burden of each life stage should be linked to appropriate health promotion, prevention and disease management strategies to optimise opportunities for person-centred health and well-being [2]. The Practical Approach to Care Kit (PACK) is a clinical decision support (CDS) tool implemented at primary care facilities that translates evidence-based guidelines into a simplified algorithmic format [3]. The “PACK Adult” guide comprehensively covers adult care, however the scope of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) guide used for children is limited and lacks guidance for children over 5 years [4]. In addition, the health needs of adolescents differ significantly from that of children and adults [5]. We describe the process of bridging these important gaps.
METHODS:
The “PACK Adult” strategy consisting of policy-aligned guidance, a training package, implementation support and health system strengthening activities3 was expanded to include the “PACK Child” and “PACK Adolescent and Youth” guides. Content was developed by localising available high-quality, evidence-based, age-appropriate policies and integrating inputs from health managers, specialists and primary care practitioners about health priorities, content relevance and clinical practice.
RESULTS:
The PACK guides provide person-centred point-of-care CDS integrated with health promotion and prevention strategies aligned to the life course approach. The range of content includes commonly occurring symptoms, immunisation, routine care for children, sexual and reproductive health, mental health conditions, long-term health conditions and palliative care. Annual review ensures policy alignment, incorporation of end user feedback and updated medicine information.
CONCLUSIONS:
Building on an existing, trusted methodology used to strengthen health service delivery for adults has been an acceptable and feasible way of operationalising a life course approach.
The Western Cape health department has adopted a life course approach to service delivery, acknowledging that key phases, transitions and events shape the trajectory of an individual’s health over their lifespan [1]. Accordingly, the disease burden of each life stage should be linked to appropriate health promotion, prevention and disease management strategies to optimise opportunities for person-centred health and well-being [2]. The Practical Approach to Care Kit (PACK) is a clinical decision support (CDS) tool implemented at primary care facilities that translates evidence-based guidelines into a simplified algorithmic format [3]. The “PACK Adult” guide comprehensively covers adult care, however the scope of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) guide used for children is limited and lacks guidance for children over 5 years [4]. In addition, the health needs of adolescents differ significantly from that of children and adults [5]. We describe the process of bridging these important gaps.
METHODS:
The “PACK Adult” strategy consisting of policy-aligned guidance, a training package, implementation support and health system strengthening activities3 was expanded to include the “PACK Child” and “PACK Adolescent and Youth” guides. Content was developed by localising available high-quality, evidence-based, age-appropriate policies and integrating inputs from health managers, specialists and primary care practitioners about health priorities, content relevance and clinical practice.
RESULTS:
The PACK guides provide person-centred point-of-care CDS integrated with health promotion and prevention strategies aligned to the life course approach. The range of content includes commonly occurring symptoms, immunisation, routine care for children, sexual and reproductive health, mental health conditions, long-term health conditions and palliative care. Annual review ensures policy alignment, incorporation of end user feedback and updated medicine information.
CONCLUSIONS:
Building on an existing, trusted methodology used to strengthen health service delivery for adults has been an acceptable and feasible way of operationalising a life course approach.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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