CPD Articles Primary health care approach to rheumatic heart disease management

Ruchika Meel, Ramprakash Kaswa

About the author(s) Ruchika Meel, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Ramprakash Kaswa, Department of Family Medicine and Rural Health, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa; and, Department of Health, Mthatha Regional Hospital, Mthatha, South Africa

Abstract

The primary health care (PHC) approach to rheumatic heart disease emphasises preventing initial episodes of rheumatic fever through primary prevention, avoiding recurrences by secondary prevention and ensuring long-term follow-up and an effective referral system. Primary care providers act as gatekeepers of community healthcare needs. They are heavily involved in community engagement, primary prevention, continuity of care and are part of strong PHC referral networks. This positions them ideally to participate in the prevention and early detection of rheumatic heart disease. The main aim of this CPD article is to guide the early identification and management of rheumatic heart disease within PHC settings.

Keywords

rheumatic heart disease; primary health care; acute rheumatic fever; Group A streptococcus; prophylaxis

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