Table 2 Integrative functions of primary care according to Valentijn et al. [16]

First contact

“Implies accessibility to and use of services for each new problem or new episode of a problem for which people seek health care.”

Continuous

“Longitudinal use of a regular source of care over time, regardless of the presence or absence of disease or injury.”

Comprehensive

“The availability of a wide range of services in and their appropriate provision across the entire spectrum of types of needs for all but the most uncommon problems in the population.”

Coordinated

“The linking of health care events and services so that the patient receives appropriate care for all his/her health problems, physical as well as mental and social.”