QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH CARE SECTOR IN GREECE QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY IN HEALTHCARE
Dimitrios Kalogeropoulos, George Charalambous
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Publication year:
2019
Authors:
- Kalogeropoulos Dimitrios, Specialty trainee, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Charalambous George, School of Health Sciences, Frederick University, Cyprus - Surgeon, Department of Accidents and Emergencies, General Hospital “Ippokratio” of Athens, Athens, Greece
Keywords index:
Pages: 22-34
Abstract:
Aim: To explore the terms of Quality and Efficiency in the sector of public health care systems. Materials and Methods: A research of the current Hellenic and International literature was carried out. The research was based on studies found in Pubmed, Scopus, Sciverse, Research Gate, and Google Scholar using the following keywords: Appraisal, Index, Criteria, Quality, Healthcare service, Total Quality Management. Results: Quality and efficiency in health care are defined through specific criteria, which are related with the immediate provision of health services, accessibility, την appropriateness, reliability, even the support of patients at a long term basis. The advantages and benefits that derive from the improvement in quality are not only associated with healthcare, but also with social and financial parameters. The satisfaction of patients is strongly correlated with the increase of quality and efficiency, whereas the individualized needs of each patient should always be taken into consideration. The continuous and meticulous recording of the procedures and results of clinical practice can contribute to highlighting substantial clues for improving health services and providing useful solutions. Conclusions: The need for continuous improvement of the quality in the provided health care services and the increase of efficiency, consists one of the most important challenges of the modern health care systems. The rise of life-expectancy together with the increase of the health services and the importance of quality indicate the significance of substantial changes in our Health System.
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