MANAGEMENT OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

In the context of reforming the Russian healthcare system, primary health care (PHC) management, which forms the foundation of the entire system, is of particular importance. This article presents the results of a comprehensive medical and sociological study of residents assigned to general practitioner (GP) sites at city outpatient clinics in various districts of St. Petersburg. The aim of the study is to use a comprehensive data analysis to justify the need for a transition from unified to differentiated, risk-based management of outpatient clinic resources. It has been established that demographic aging, a high proportion of socially vulnerable groups (single individuals, single mothers, and residents of communal apartments), and low levels of medical awareness and preventive activity directly determine the need for medical care and create an excessive workload for general practitioners. An integrated assessment of quality of life (QOL) is proposed as a key management tool, allowing for the measurement of not only the process but also the outcome of activities–improving the well-being of residents in the GP site. It is concluded that effective local healthcare management should be based on in-depth analysis of site-specific data and involves adjusting regulations, investing in prevention, and developing intersectoral collaboration.