ICN launches new position statement and discussion paper setting out a revolution in the delivery of Primary Health Care

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is launching its new position statement and a discussion paper on Primary Health Care (PHC) at its Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nursing Network (NP/APN Network) Conference in Aberdeen, Scotland.

ICN’s position statement outlines its views on PHC as the future of health care and nurses’ roles in making ICN’s vision a reality. It contains information for individual nurses, National Nurses Associations, health care organizations and governments on how PHC is the most inclusive, effective and efficient way to make UHC a reality for everyone.

The position statement, which is accompanied by a discussion paper, entitled Nursing and Primary Health Care - Towards the realization of Universal Health Coverage, sets out a transformative agenda to revolutionize Primary Health Care, which ICN believes is essential if the goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is ever to become a reality.

There are many challenges ahead, including resource constraints, an underused workforce, gaps in professional preparation for certain health care needs, concerns about patient safety, and a lack of continuity of care.

But ICN President Dr Pamela Cipriano said that despite such obstacles, ICN believes nursing is the key profession within the multidisciplinary team that can overcome those challenges, and that reinvigorated and properly funded PHC services will improve the health of populations everywhere.

Dr Cipriano said: “In the 2018 Astana Declaration, the nations of the world agreed that PHC is the only way to achieve meaningful Universal Health Coverage. This was further reinforced in the Political Declaration on UHC adopted by United Nations member states last year.

‘As Co-chair of the Steering Committee of UHC2030, which provides a global platform for multiple stakeholders to connect as they work to advance progress towards achieving UHC by 2030, I know that governments are increasingly aware of the importance of a well-supported nursing and healthcare workforce, that are essential for PHC.

‘Our PHC position statement shows governments and health care organizations the changes and investments needed to empower nurses as the key to making real, substantial strides towards the goal of UHC through expansion of PHC by 2030. It is time to unleash the untapped potential of nurses so that they can lead this critical journey towards a better future for all.”

ICN Chief Executive Officer Howard Catton, who will be launching both documents at the conference, said: “Intelligence from our National Nurses Associations around the world confirms the need for a complete reorientation of health systems from their current focus on sickness, disease and a medical-orientated approach. Instead, we need to have health systems that are oriented towards health, wellbeing, integration and people-centredness.

‘We have seen health systems struggling under huge strain and near collapse as they strive to cope with ever growing needs and a lack of proper investment. Nurse-led PHC is the way forward if our health systems are to thrive and be sustained in the years to come.

‘This conference is the ideal place to launch these new documents because it is advanced practice nurses, who I think of as the solution that has been there, right in front of us, who will lead the revolution in PHC and make UHC a reality. We need to harness their power and influence, and translate it into properly funded, people-centred nurse-led models of care.

‘Around the world, nurses are extending their scopes of practice and practising at a higher level in larger numbers than ever before. These cadres of nurses will expand as funding is put in place to train and educate increasing numbers of colleagues who will, in turn, move the focus of care into the community. Because that is where the vast majority of conditions originate, and it is where they can be prevented if the correct interventions are delivered by the most appropriate professionals in a timely manner, right inside people’s homes and communities.”

The Nursing and Primary Health Care Towards the realization of Universal Health Coverage discussion paper summarizes key positions, statements, and documents produced by ICN and other nursing and international health organizations. ICN welcomes further feedback and discussion to advance this critical work as part of its ongoing strategic priorities.

The 13th ICN NP/APN Network Conference is being held in Aberdeen, Scotland, 9-12 September 2024. It will provide the largest global forum for advanced practice nurses to network and collaborate on contemporary topics and future trends relevant to their practice. Its theme, Advanced Practice Nursing: an invaluable investment for global health, is inspired by ICN’s strategic priorities, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and Universal Health Coverage.