Slovenian PH system: reshaping and new approaches to interventions and linkages with primary care

Abstract Slovenia’s public health started a new era of proactive interventions jointly with primary care since early 2000s, based on the heritage of the outreach approach developed in that territory in early 1930s. The National Programme for the Early Detection of Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases was launched two decades ago. Development of a screening programme led to the need to build capacity for lifestyle interventions and the subsequent broader involvement of public health and health care professionals. Public health interventions addressing challenges, such as those related to primary and secondary prevention, have to be closely linked to the work in the local communities. This is best achieved in developing programmes jointly with primary care, municipalities, educational and social sector as well as NGOs. The original approach of developing secondary prevention interventions needs a further amplification in broadening the base for interventions from a single problem to an array of issues. Previous approach with the development of Health Education Centres (HECs) was to be upgraded through the development of Health Promotion Centres (HPCs). This required the move from a more traditional approach to addressing individual determinants arising primarily in individuals to a comprehensive approach addressing health and health determinants in all ages. The focus of intervention becomes the local community and the central location is the primary health centre with the specific focus to health equity. Development of primary and secondary prevention interventions is a measure to address health in the local community. Their placement in primary care ensures equality in access to all citizens in all age groups. Flexibility in approach enables us to develop interventions for the different facets of health.