Community-oriented primary care (COPC) in Barcelona, Spain: An Urban COPC Experience

Community-oriented primary care (COPC) integrates comprehensive primary care with community health. Although it has had limited application in the United States, this model has been widely promoted among urban family physicians in Barcelona, Spain. This article describes the current status of COPC in four community clinics in Barcelona. Data were derived from a site visit that included direct observation and interviews with professionals involved in community health. The interviews explored how COPC has been implemented in each of the four primary care centers. We found that the degree to which COPC is practiced is quite varied and that it often coexists with other community health programs. A number of obstacles, including lack of support and funding from the government and lack of motivation and participation among health professionals, make practicing COPC in Barcelona a challenge. Despite these obstacles, COPC is flourishing in Barcelona. This experience may offer guidance for COPC implementation in the United States and other countries.