During the most recent Board of Directors meeting held on August 13, the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians joined the American Academy of Family Physicians by officially signing on to the newly released shared principles of primary care statement; a refreshed version of the Patient-Centered Medical Home Joint Principles of 2007.
- Person & Family Centered
- Continuous
- Comprehensive and Equitable
- Team-Based and Collaborative
- Coordinated and Integrated
- Accessible
- High-Value
These shared principles, developed by stakeholders representing all aspects of health care, are designed to move the United States toward a vibrant future of person-centered, team-based, community aligned primary care that will help achieve the goals of better health, better care, and lower costs. Achieving this future requires a common vision as well as appropriate payment, investment, training, workforce and other resources to support it.
Specifically, the statement is an important focus of the Family Medicine for America’s Health (FMAHealth) Board of Directors and its Engagement tactic team, which was led by AAFP Past President Ted Epperly, MD, to collectively advance person centered, team based primary care.
The vision outlined in these Shared Principles of Primary Care will result in excellent outcomes for individuals and families, and more satisfying and sustainable careers for clinicians and staff. It is a vision that is aspirational yet achievable when stakeholders work together.