Abstract
Introduction: Primary health care is the most important part of the health system. Family physicians, as representatives of this link, are key figures who are assigned a number of responsibilities for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of both adults and children. An indicator of the effectiveness of their work is the level of satisfaction of citizens with the quality of service. To understand the effectiveness of reform implementation, the authors evaluated the activities of the family physician and its influence on the health of citizens living on the entrusted territory. The aim of the study is an empirical analysis of the selection criteria, frequency and reasons for the citizens' visits to a family physician in the amalgamated territorial communities of the Sumy region. Materials and methods: During the research, methods of a systematic approach and comparative analysis were used. The study was conducted in the form of a survey. Calculations and processing of statistical information were carried out using the "OSA" application. Study results and discussion: The paper shows the condition of primary care as a result of the health system reform. The sociological survey on the work of family physicians in the amalgamated territorial communities concerned the criteria for choosing a family physician, the frequency of requests for medical care, and the reasons for requests, in particular for preventive purposes. The analysis showed that the percentage of signing declarations is relatively high. However, a certain formality of this process was observed, since a significant percentage of citizens who signed the declaration have never met their family physician. The result indicates that citizens often do not seek medical care in outpatient clinics on the territory of the amalgamated territorial community, and they rarely visit the physician for preventive purposes. According to respondents, the reason for not seeking prevention is the lack of need. Conclusion: A high percentage of residents of the amalgamated territorial communities signed declarations with family physicians. However, having analyzed the survey data, we can note a rather formal attitude to this procedure, since many residents seek medical services in other medical institutions. It is a consequence of the insufficient effectiveness of the reform of primary health care and insufficient attention on the part of local authorities to provide outpatient clinics with qualified specialists. There is a need to raise awareness about the importance of preventive measures. Keywords family medicine, family physician, preventive work, declaration, communication.
Highlights
Primary health care is the most important part of the health system
The analysis showed that the percentage of signing declarations is relatively high
The result indicates that citizens often do not seek medical care in outpatient clinics on the territory of the amalgamated territorial community, and they rarely visit the physician for preventive purposes
Summary
Primary health care is the most important part of the health system. Family physicians, as representatives of this link, are key figures who are assigned a number of responsibilities for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of both adults and children. To understand the effectiveness of reform implementation, the authors evaluated the activities of the family physician and its influence on the health of citizens living on the entrusted territory. There are many gaps in citizens' awareness of the services that have become available locally and the advantages that include the free choice of a family physician, a guaranteed package of free primary health care, patient orientation through observation, awareness about lifestyle, environment and other factors that may directly or indirectly influence their life and health. The most important principle of family medicine is the preventive activity, that is, in daily work, the physician should promote his patients' health, that can influence the effectiveness of the medical system as a whole
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
