Economic crisis and nursing in Spain.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the present study is to describe the economic context in Spain and its impact on the health care sector and in nursing schools.


BACKGROUND
The global economic crisis is affecting nursing in Spain. This study analyses and compares indicators related to health care and nursing schools among European countries. Some new strategies to cope with the challenges arising from the health care crisis are suggested.


RESULTS
Health care costs are increasing as a result of the ageing of the Spanish population, immigration, chronicity of health problems and new medical technology. Nursing education has changed in 2010 from a 3-year diploma programme to a 4-year University degree in Nursing. This change requires new resources involving staff, facilities and equipment, all of which are lacking because of the economic crisis in Spain.


CONCLUSIONS
The worldwide economic crisis has affected Spain more than it has other European Union (EU) countries. This global crisis has an impact on the health care sector as well on nursing schools.


CONCLUSIONS
It is essential for nursing management to develop creative approaches to maintain cost effective patient care. New programmes and technology must be carefully evaluated in terms of cost effectiveness before being implemented. All health care professionals should be well informed and have a solid understanding of this situation.
Zabalegui
Adelaida
A
Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Nursing, Barcelona 08036, Spain. azabaleg@clinic.ub.es
Cabrera
Esther
E
D000367:Age Factors; D000375:Aging; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics* / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends; D057172:Economic Recession / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D004471:Economics, Nursing; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D009726:Nurses / Q000191:economics / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D012579:Schools, Nursing / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D013030:Spain