The Community Health Centre Ljubljana and the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana successfully hosted the 3rd International Scientific Conference on Primary Health Care (ISCPC) on October 2–3, 2025.

The conference was held under the auspices of leading European associations — EQUIP, EFPC, SESAM, and the Association of Family Medicine Doctors of Southeast Europe — and focused on interprofessional teamwork and quality in healthcare.

The program addressed a wide range of topics central to the future of primary health care, including:

  • Quality and efficiency of integrated care

  • Education and training in primary care

  • Community engagement

  • Well-being of primary care professionals

  • Sustainable development in health systems

  • Use of extended reality (XR) technologies in primary care

More than 200 participants from Slovenia and abroad attended the event, which featured lectures by internationally recognized experts, interactive workshops, and field visits to the Community Health Centre Ljubljana. The conference provided rich opportunities for networking and collaboration, with a special emphasis on practical content valuable for both healthcare and non-healthcare professionals.

Innovations Presented by the Community Health Centre Ljubljana

As part of the conference, the Community Health Centre Ljubljana presented two original innovations developed within the Institute for Research and Development of Primary Health Care:

  1. Instructor’s Manual: “Simulations in Healthcare Save Lives”
    The manual introduces a clear framework of competencies for simulation instructors, setting new standards for high-quality training in healthcare. It supports safe learning in a controlled environment, resulting in better-trained professionals, improved patient safety, and higher quality of care.

  2. Pediatric Emergency Tape for Primary Care
    This innovative tool assists healthcare professionals in emergency pediatric care. The color-coded tape aligns with a child’s body to quickly determine appropriate medication dosages in emergencies. It enables fast, accurate decision-making and response in critical situations — and has recently been granted a patent.

Keynote Speakers

The conference featured distinguished international speakers, who shared insights on current and emerging challenges in primary health care:

  • Prof. David Mark Epstein (University of Granada, Spain): The Role of Health Economics in Primary Care
    Addressed the economic evaluation of medicines and technologies, the coordination between primary and secondary care in managing vascular diseases, and regulation in the generic drug market.

  • Jim Walker (Walk21 Foundation): Transforming Urban Mobility – The Role of Walking in Sustainable Cities and Healthier Communities
    Highlighted global best practices promoting walking as a cornerstone of sustainable and healthy urban living.

  • Dr. Marc Lazarovici (Global Network for Simulation in Healthcare – GNSH): Innovations In Medical Simulation: Enhancing Patient Safety and Team Performance through Advanced Technologies
    Showcased how artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) can enhance clinical reasoning, teamwork, and training — emphasizing responsible innovation and accessibility.

  • Prof. Dr. Thomas Frese (Institute of General Practice, Halle-Wittenberg University, Germany; President of WONCA Europe): Using Potentials for Patient Care – Perspectives from General Practice
    Discussed opportunities for improving patient outcomes through prevention, digital tools, multidisciplinary teamwork, and patient engagement.

Workshops and Field Visits

Participants engaged in interactive workshops in both Slovenian and English, including:

  • “What Do Patients Really Think? Results of the PaRIS Survey in Slovenia” – presenting findings from the international Patient-Reported Indicators Survey and encouraging co-creation of future quality improvements.

  • “Simulation-Based Training for Improving Quality of Care in Primary Healthcare” – introducing a structured, nurse-led triage model for family medicine practices.

Field visits took place at the Community Health Centre Ljubljana, featuring:

  • The Simulation Education Centre – where innovation meets practice.

  • A simulated annual check-up of a chronic patient in a family medicine clinic.

  • The Health Promotion Centre – supporting healthier communities.

Setting Strategic Directions for the Future

The conference reaffirmed Slovenia’s commitment to advancing primary health care through innovation, education, and collaborative practice. It provided clear strategic guidance for future initiatives aimed at improving the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of healthcare services in Slovenia and beyond.