The costs of treating patients during the epidemics at the beginning of the 20th century, based on the example of the Hospital for Infectious Patients in Częstochowa

Abstract

Purpose: The study characterizes the determinants of the costs of treating patients during various epidemics at the beginning of the 20th century in Częstochowa. Methodology/approach: Research tools included a literature review on the subject, legal acts, archival documentation of the Hospital for Infectious Patients, and other ar-chival materials concerning the costs of treating patients during the epidemic in Częstochowa between 1918 and 1922. Findings: The analysis shows that both now and 100 years ago, the tools for fighting the epidemic are similar. The most important include preventive vaccinations, a health care system properly adapted to crises, prevention, and the protection of medical personnel who treat sick people and other people who have contact with the sick. The research hypothesis was positively verified that “covering the costs of treating patients during the epidemic at the beginning of the 20th century was determined by the principles of set-tling accounts for the treatment of patients and running the hospital”. Practical implications: The results are essential for developing and improving health systems. They have a cognitive value and can be analyzed by decision-makers at various management levels of Poland’s medical entities. Originality: The article is part of the trend of historical research on the costs of Poland’s healthcare system.