[Conclusions and reflections for planning not based on average numbers].

Abstract

. Conclusions and reflections for planning not based on average numbers. Planning for the number of Family and community nurses (FCNs) needed cannot be based on average estimates issued at the national level. In fact, organizing a service requires in-depth knowledge not only of patients, but also of the local area, health, social, and volunteer services. This information is available, however not always easy to use and combine with other useful data stored in databases not connected to each other. While waiting to have enough FCNs, priorities for those available should be set at local level. The choice of priority target groups of population depends on local data but also on a careful assessment of the services already available in the area, in order to identify the populations most at risk or with limited access of services of the national health and social systems.