Primary health care improvement in Benin: Cocreating an evidence-informed policy framework to guide the practices of primary care physicians

Abstract

Introduction In Benin, policies for guiding the practices of primary care physicians (PCPs) are sparse and incomplete. This leads to sub-optimal use of these relatively rare human resources and reduces their potential contribution to people’s health and well-being. In this study, a policy framework guiding PCPs’ practice in Benin is developed in cooperation with key stakeholders. Methods The cocreation was a long-term process spread over several years, culminating in a two-day workshop in Cotonou (Benin’s capital city) in October 2022. The core principles of a successful cocreation process were respected: a clear definition of goals, the participation of all relevant stakeholders, including community members, and evidence-informed discussions. Results The resulting policy framework includes four overarching dimensions: first, the objectives assigned to PCPs in Benin; second, their roles and related activities; third, their professional identity; and fourth, the governance arrangements guiding their practices. The policy framework provided concrete recommendations for these dimensions based on the Benin context and international evidence. Conclusion The cocreation process was instrumental in developing an evidence-informed and consensual policy framework guiding PCPs' practices in Benin. The framework may be relevant for other West African countries but must be customised to each country’s context.