Value in primary care clinics: a service ecosystem perspective.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Experience

Background:

• Primary care is a complex system involving numerous stakeholders.
• Current understanding of value in primary care often lacks a comprehensive, multi-actor perspective.
• Recognizing diverse stakeholder values is essential for effective healthcare delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose value as a multidimensional construct within primary care.
• To advocate for a multi-actor service ecosystem perspective in understanding primary care value.
• To explore how different stakeholders perceive value in healthcare services.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of value in primary care settings.
• Examination of the service ecosystem within primary care clinics.
• Identification of various actors and their potential value perceptions.

Main Results:

• Value is not monolithic but is perceived differently by distinct actors.
• Stakeholders such as patients, families, clinicians, and administrative staff prioritize varied aspects of care.
• A broader, stakeholder-inclusive view of value is necessary.

Conclusions:

• Adopting a multi-actor service ecosystem approach is vital for primary care.
• Understanding and integrating diverse stakeholder values can lead to improved health outcomes.
• Future research should focus on measuring and optimizing value across the primary care service ecosystem.