Good coordination practices in community health. SESPAS Report 2026;

Autores de IIS La Fe

• María Isabel Mármol López

  Autor

Participantes ajenos a IIS La Fe

• Fraile-Escriche M.R.
• Rodríguez García-Abad N.
• Rafael Lafuente J.
• Ruiz Azarola A.
• Olivella-Cirici M.

Grupos

• Arte y Ciencia en Cuidados (GREAIC)

Abstract

Community health is currently a key pillar of public health for reducing inequalities, improving quality of life, and ensuring responses tailored to local needs. However, depending on the context, discipline, or location, different perspectives are adopted, sometimes leading to heterogeneous practices and varied approaches that hinder intersectoral work and effective coordination in community health. This coordination involves co-designing interventions adapted to the social, cultural, and economic characteristics of each community, prioritizing prevention and equity, and incorporating a gender, diversity, and sustainability perspective that ensures universal accessibility and environmental justice. Likewise, ongoing professional development and intersectoral coordination, establishing local governance mechanisms, are essential for addressing social and environmental determinants in a comprehensive manner, promoting well-being and equity. The World Health Organization's Framework for Integrated and People-Centered Health Services highlights the centrality of the community. In Spain, there are various coordination initiatives and integrated models involving primary healthcare, public health, the third sector, citizen platforms, and local governments, all collaborating to empower the community and improve collective health. The aim of this article is to review and analyze the initiatives developed in the field of Community Health in Spain, while also identifying examples of best practices. © 2025 SESPAS

Keywords

• Community Health Services; Humans; Primary Health Care; Public Health; Spain; best practice; community; coordination; environmental justice; gender diversity; government; health care access; health care planning; health equity; health service; human; intersectoral collaboration; person centered care; prevention; primary health care; professional development; program evaluation; public health; quality of life; review; Spain; World Health Organization; community care; organization and management