title: The role and effects of sanatoriums and health resorts in the Russian Federation.
abstract: There is a unique system of sanatoriums and health resorts in the Russian Federation that is not so well known outside the country. These facilities are used for prophylactic treatment of the working population, but they are not part of the health care system. As a result of the historical development, the sanatoriums and health resorts are instead a responsibility of the Russian system of social insurance. Based on three different empirical studies and a review of research in the field, this article describes the development of sanatoriums and health resorts, the different prophylactic treatments they provide, the medical and economic effects of their treatments, and the role of these facilities in the Russian society. The conclusion is that this system of sanatoriums and health resorts seems to be beneficial, both for the people and for the national economy, but there are a number of issues that have to be addressed if the system shall be able to survive in the present economic situation.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Development of Health Services, Karolinska Institute, PO Box 4402, SE-102 68 Stockholm, Sweden. susanna.bihari-axelsson@smd.sll.se
authors.forename: Susanna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bihari-Axelsson
authors.forename: Runo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Axelsson
mesh_terms: D006294:Health Resorts; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007750:Labor Unions; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers / Q000458:organization & administration; D012426:Russia; D016896:Treatment Outcome