Improving collaboration between public health and primary healthcare

Abstract

This paper responds to the ideas set forth by Millar et al. in their exploration of whether public health is ready to participate in the transformation of the healthcare system. In this commentary, the author proposes a number of novel solutions to address these challenges, categorized into four areas: experimenting with joint planning, using innovative ways to share and analyze data, employing joint training and networks and facilitating how primary healthcare engages in health promotion in the local community. The author asserts that, ultimately, no single solution will address the multiple barriers to collaboration, but the implementation of some of these ideas can move Canada forward in this area.