Prioritisation in delivering health services: A military health system example

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to use of available resources effectively and efficiently, to determine the situation of recource allocation, priority setting and to offer an insight into future planning in delivery of health services in Turkish Armed Forces (TAF). Study Design: This study was conducted using qualitative focus group method and it is a descriptive and qualitative study. Questions to be asked in the focus group discussions, the location and the time of discussions and the participants was determined by review of the literature. Methods: Focus group interviews lasted between approximately 90-120 minutes, respectively, to each focus group, 9 chief phsycians, 13 doctors /dentists, 6 nurses, 8 health noncommissioned officers, 7 officers, 6 noncommissioned officers and 6 health administrators were attended. Results: The result of focus group discussions; priority settings in military health services must be done and to preventive health care would be prioritised. The military hospitals in Internal Security Operation Area should be strengthened in terms of medical personnel and medical supplies and be full-fledged hospital. There was found that secondary care should be met from civilian hospitals in the other regions. Conclusion: It is evaluated that the study will be contributed to set of priorities in TAF military health services take the investments in the public or private health sectors and operational requirements into consideration, the studies carried out by TAF Medical Command in order to restructure of the military hospitals, to be employed the recources allocated for health services and health personnel graduated from Gulhane Military Medical Academy such as physicians, health noncommissioned officer and nurses in real requirement positions. Keywords: Military hospital, prioritisation, primary health services, focus group, health personnel.