Improving primary health care for children and adolescents in Europe

Primary health care for children in Europe is often not optimal. Primary care providers might not have been trained adequately in dealing with common conditions affecting children and adolescents, and outdated practices often persist. To address these problems, WHO developed the Pocket Book of Primary Health Care for Children and Adolescents. It is for use by doctors, nurses and other health workers who are responsible for the care of children and adolescents at the primary health care level. It summarizes guidance on how to manage – and when to refer – children and adolescents presenting with common complaints and conditions. It includes information to enable primary health care providers to coordinate the continued care of children and adolescents with long-term conditions and diseases managed by specialists. Preventive and promotive measures from the newborn period to adolescence include advice on the timing and content of well-child visits, the promotion of early childhood development and health messages for adolescents.

The recommendations of the Pocket Book apply across the WHO European Region and may be adapted by countries to suit their specific circumstances. A mobile APP for Android and IOS phones is available to facilitate uptake and dissemination. The Pocket Book and APP aim to improve quality of care for children and adolescents at the primary health care level. Quality of care is at the core of the comprehensive European Child and Adolescent Health Strategy that is being developed by Member States supported by WHO and partners to refocus attention on child and adolescent health after the COVID-19 pandemic had scooped attention and resources away from this age group. Countries are encouraged to adapt Pocket Book and Strategy to improve the situation of child and adolescent health and well-being in their settings and monitor progress.