2025-02-21
hospitality
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A new report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Does Healthcare Deliver?, provides an in-depth analysis of healthcare system performance across its member countries. The study, based on the Patient-Reported Indicator Surveys (PaRIS), assesses healthcare delivery from the perspective of patients, focusing on chronic disease management, trust in the healthcare system, and overall quality of care. Czechia and Slovakia feature prominently in the findings, with both countries facing unique challenges in providing effective and accessible healthcare. Czechia continues to rank favorably in several healthcare performance indicators, particularly in patient-reported experiences. Czech patients express a high level of trust in their primary care physicians, with over 90% reporting positive experiences in care coordination and accessibility. This positions Czechia above the OECD average in terms of patient satisfaction and healthcare efficiency. The Czech healthcare system is recognized for its cost-effectiveness and strong primary care network. However, long waiting times for specialist care and the growing burden of chronic diseases present ongoing challenges. More than 80% of Czech patients aged 45 and older suffer from at least one chronic condition, with over half managing multiple conditions. The report highlights the need for improved primary care coordination and digital health solutions to enhance patient management. Despite these challenges, Czechia benefits from a well-established continuity of care, where many patients maintain long-term relationships with their general practitioners. This stability contributes to better health outcomes and higher patient satisfaction. Efforts to integrate digital health solutions are underway, but there remains a need for better electronic health record systems and improved online access for patients. In contrast, Slovakia faces more pronounced difficulties in healthcare delivery, particularly in patient satisfaction and access to care. Slovak patients report lower levels of trust in the healthcare system, with many expressing dissatisfaction with doctor-patient interactions and the responsiveness of healthcare providers. Long waiting times and limited access to specialists remain significant obstacles, further exacerbating disparities in health outcomes. Socio-economic inequalities in healthcare are particularly concerning, as patients with lower education and income levels report significantly worse health outcomes than those in higher economic brackets. This suggests gaps in preventive care and a lack of engagement with vulnerable populations who require chronic disease management and consistent medical attention. Slovakia also struggles with person-centered care, as fewer patients feel involved in treatment decisions compared to their Czech counterparts. The OECD report stresses the importance of improving doctor-patient communication and making healthcare more patient-centric. Without these improvements, healthcare disparities may continue to widen, affecting overall public health outcomes. Trust in the healthcare system plays a critical role in determining patient satisfaction, and both Czechia and Slovakia show moderate levels of trust, with Czechia ranking higher. The OECD findings reveal that trust in healthcare is closely linked to factors such as waiting times, the perceived quality of care, and patient-centered interactions. Czechia performs well in these areas, whereas Slovakia still struggles to meet patient expectations. The adoption of digital healthcare solutions could be a key driver in improving these areas, as countries with better digital integration tend to report higher patient satisfaction and better care coordination. Czechia has made progress in this area, while Slovakia still faces challenges in implementing digital strategies that effectively enhance patient care. The OECD report outlines several recommendations for both countries to improve their healthcare systems. Strengthening primary care services is essential to better manage chronic conditions and reduce the burden on hospitals. Digital health adoption needs to be accelerated, ensuring that electronic medical records are fully integrated and accessible to patients. Reducing waiting times for specialist care remains a priority to enhance patient satisfaction and improve health outcomes. Addressing socio-economic disparities is also critical, requiring expanded preventive care programs and equitable healthcare access for all citizens. Increasing transparency and improving doctor-patient communication can help build greater trust in the healthcare system and ensure that policies prioritize patient needs. Czechia’s healthcare system, while strong, requires further enhancements in specialist care access and digital health integration. Slovakia, on the other hand, must focus on addressing access barriers and reducing disparities in healthcare quality. The OECD’s Does Healthcare Deliver? report provides a roadmap for policymakers in both countries to strengthen their healthcare frameworks, ensuring that patients receive better, more equitable, and more efficient medical care in the years to come.