The growing number of older people, in combination with a declining number of general practitioners, leads to an increase in non-indicated hospitalizations. To counteract this development, primary care centers (Primärversorgungszentren, PVZ) are planned in the “Zielsteuerung Gesundheit” that are regionally responsible for filtering patients and that offer or coordinate medical, care-related, and Social Work services in a low-threshold manner.

This project explores the following questions: Can these primary care centers play a role in prevention beyond reacting to existing health concerns? To what extent and in which way can a PVZ be part of a community center? Which social and communicative approaches could be combined to promote social networks? Instead of constructing new buildings in the open countryside, can we keep PVZs in the heart of the community – both spatially and socially – by using existing vacant buildings? Which methods could we use to recruit local partners and regional sponsors for such a primary care center?