Reimagining primary health care: a historical and contemporary scoping review of community-based primary health care models and innovations
Issued Date
2026-02-01
Resource Type
eISSN
22113355
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105028983580
Journal Title
Preventive Medicine Reports
Volume
62
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Preventive Medicine Reports Vol.62 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Acharya S., Mishra S.R., von Seidlein L., Adhikari B., Parker D.M. Reimagining primary health care: a historical and contemporary scoping review of community-based primary health care models and innovations. Preventive Medicine Reports Vol.62 (2026). doi:10.1016/j.pmedr.2026.103390 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/114817
Title
Reimagining primary health care: a historical and contemporary scoping review of community-based primary health care models and innovations
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Objectives Community-based primary health care (CBPHC) has long underpinned health service delivery in resource-limited settings. However, demographic shifts, increasing chronic disease burdens, and digital transformations challenge its sustainability. This review synthesizes historical and contemporary evidence on CBPHC to assess effectiveness, identify limitations, and outline future directions toward universal health coverage (UHC). Methods Using the Arksey and O'Malley framework, we conducted a scoping review of global literature from 1975 to 2025 across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and grey sources. Data were thematically analyzed into categories capturing evolution, achievements, challenges, and future directions. Results A total of 134 documents were reviewed. CBPHC improved access to essential services, particularly maternal and child health, infectious disease control, and health promotion. Programs led by community health workers and volunteers strengthened systems but faced persistent barriers such as attrition, limited funding, and weak integration. Case studies from Nepal, Ethiopia, Brazil, and Rwanda showed improved maternal and child outcomes and pandemic preparedness and resilience. Emerging challenges include syndemics, demographic shifts, and urbanization. Conclusions CBPHC remains vital for advancing universal health coverage. Its sustainability depends on evolving into a diagonally integrated, people-centered, and digitally enabled model supported by equitable investment in governance, workforce training, and community engagement.