[Primary health care development in 2002-2006 in Lithuania: will we achieve the objective set?].
The aim of this study was to identify the changes in the development of primary health care in 2002-2006 and to predict its potential results in 2008, based on various criteria (indicators). Data from the compulsory health insurance system "Sveidra" have been used for the analysis. A share of the private primary health care institutions, the persons enrolled with them, and visits in such institutions from all primary health care institutions during the study period have significantly statistically increased (average annual changes were 6.9%, 22.2%, and 27.2%, respectively). In 2008, this part would make up 61.0%, 30.6%, and 27.2%, respectively. The proportion of persons registered with family doctors and the number of visits to family doctors were significantly increasing (average annual changes were 22.5% and 27.2%, respectively). It is predicted that this part would make up 27.8% and 35.2% in 2008. More detailed analysis has shown that relatively more young and working-age persons (aged 18-44 years) were enrolled in private primary health care institutions. It is in particular evident in Vilnius and Kaunas where the choice of such institutions is high. The number of persons registered with family doctors was increasing in both private and public institutions (average annual changes were 22.5% and 8.3%, respectively; P<0.05). In private institutions, the proportion of persons registered with local district pediatricians was also significantly increasing. The study results have shown significant differences in the developments of primary health care in 2002-2006 by various indicators. The objective defined in the strategy of restructuring will be achieved in 2008 only in respect of the number of institutions. Assessing by the aspect of services, the results achieved will be approximately two times lower. The practice of the institution of the family doctor is becoming more intensive in both private and public institutions.
Plieskis
Mindaugas
M
Department of Health Management, Kaunas University of Medicine, Lithuania.
Gaizauskiene
Aldona
A
Garbuviene
Milda
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005194:Family Practice / Q000639:trends*; D005544:Forecasting; D018166:Health Care Reform; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000639:trends; D008097:Lithuania; D008875:Middle Aged; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000639:trends; D011203:Poverty; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000639:trends*; D011331:Private Practice / Q000639:trends; D012044:Regression Analysis