The "Swedish model" under pressure--how to maintain equity and develop quality?
This overview article gives a description of the present Swedish health care system and health policy. The emphasis is on how the "Swedish model" has been developed trying to reduce inequality regarding health and access to health services. An estimation is made of how far towards these goals the system has moved. Swedish health policy has favoured a strong public control and the responsibility for planning and delivery of services is decentralized to county councils. The Swedish health care system now faces increased tension since the system has moved from a phase of expansion to a situation where reallocation and shift of resources are in focus. The challenges are to maintain the achievements regarding equity and at the same time find ways to stimulate effectiveness and increased quality of services.
Calltorp
J
J
Department of Social Medicine, University of Uppsala, Akademiska sjukhuset, Sweden.
D003363:Cost Control; D006291:Health Policy / Q000639:trends*; D006295:Health Resources / Q000600:supply & distribution; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D009026:Mortality; D012935:Social Justice; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology