Preliminary communication

IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF HEALTH SYSTEMS OF EU MEMBER STATES AND CROATIA

Rajko Ostojić ; University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Vlatka Bilas ; Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Sanja Franc ; Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Improving the quality of a health system represents one of the health policy imperatives. This paper analyses the level of quality and development perspectives of healthcare systems in the EU member states and the Republic of Croatia. Empirical research was conducted using the semi-structured interview method on a sample of 49 interviewees. The purpose of this research was to give ecommendations and guidelines applicable to the Croatian health system, with the ultimate goal of achieving sustainable quality and
accessible healthcare. From the conducted analysis it can be concluded that the level of healthcare quality in EU countries is high but not uniform, while systems of quality improvement are underdeveloped. Only a few EU countries have a long tradition of legal regulation of quality in healthcare. Qualitative research results indicate that the quality of health care services in Croatia is satisfying, but there are still diff erences in the level of quality within the country, even among hospitals. Recommendations for improving the quality of healthcare include: further development of health standards and norms, improvement of information systems as a way of promoting the quality of the whole health system, ensuring adequate financial assets, investing in prevention, developing quality indicators and records in order to ensure fast and efficient reporting. It is important to
recognize different dimensions of quality and set realistic expectations and build a balanced health system accordingly.

Keywords

quality; health system; the European Union; the Republic of Croatia

Hrčak ID:

96827

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/96827

Publication date:

1.12.2012.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 6.423 *