Management challenges and opportunities in Albania’s local primary health care network

Aiming to strengthen the management of Primary Healthcare services at the local level in Albania, this study examines and analyzes the main challenges and opportunities affecting the PHC network’s performance. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a literature review focusing on governance and decentralization, human resources management, service coordination, and resource allocation in the context of digital transformation. The findings of this paper showed persistent challenges. To achieve its aim, the current paper adopts a narrative review methodology, which is also combined with thematic analysis. This methodological approach allowed the comparative examination of information from international healthcare systems and, at the same time, the identification of conceptual patterns relevant to the Albanian PHC context. At this point, it is noted that the persistent challenges examined include limited managerial capacity and workforce shortages. They also include weak coordination mechanisms and infrastructural constraints. At the same time, some opportunities were also presented. Indicative opportunities include digital health technologies and integrated care models, which can enhance efficiency and the quality of care. In addition, the current literature review highlighted that the effectiveness of PHC management is closely aligned with and associated with an organization's leadership capacity and with other equally important factors, such as interdisciplinary collaboration and the ability of local healthcare systems to adapt to demographic and epidemiological changes. Even more, the existing literature emphasized the importance of sustainable workforce policies and the necessity of integrated care pathways and patient-centered approaches. All of these actions strengthen the continuity and accessibility of healthcare services at the community level. Overall, the current paper offered a conceptual basis for future research and policy actions to further improve the effectiveness and equity of Albania’s local PHC system.