scholarly journals Mortality amenable to health care services and health inequalities across the regions of Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Adja ◽  
C Reno ◽  
J Lenzi ◽  
M P Fantini

Abstract Background Amenable mortality is an indicator that measures the extent to which health services contribute to the improvement of the health of a population. It can also highlight geographical and socioeconomic inequalities. Therefore, it is used to assess quality and performance of health care systems, both at national and subnational level. The Italian National Health Service sets the essential levels of care (Livelli Essenziali di Assistenza, LEA), a health-benefit package for all citizens. Because every region is responsible for providing the LEA and can offer additional health care, monitoring the performance of the Regional Health Services (RHSs) is of increasing interest. Methods We used Nolte and McKee's list of amenable conditions to analyze the temporal trend of the standardized mortality rate (per 100.000) in Italy from 2006 to 2015, overall and by gender. We also examined the standardized rate at regional level by comparing the two-year periods 2006/7 and 2014/5, overall and by gender. Results Between 2006 and 2015, the overall mortality rate decreased from 81 to 68 per 100.000 population; this reduction was more pronounced in men (91 to 76 per 100.000, -16.5%) than in women (72 to 62 per 100.000, -13.9%). The decreasing trend in amenable mortality affected Italian regions differently, with northern regions showing steeper reductions as compared to southern regions. As a result, 2014/5 was the first time men's mortality in North Italy (68 per 100.000) was lower than women's mortality in South Italy (72 per 100.000). Conclusions The overall reduction of amenable mortality shows that Italy's health care services keep contributing to the improvement of population health. Nevertheless, by analyzing RHS performance we saw that differences in organization of care lead to differences in health care quality and performance across regions. Deaths amenable to health care services contribute to inequalities between Northern and Southern Italy. Key messages Because universal health coverage is necessary but not sufficient to reduce health inequalities, investing into better-quality services should be recognized as a priority. Amenable mortality can highlight areas of intervention to reduce inequalities in the provision of health care services.

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacopo Lenzi ◽  
Paola Rucci ◽  
Giuseppe Franchino ◽  
Gianfranco Domenighetti ◽  
Gianfranco Damiani ◽  
...  

Background: Mortality amenable to health care services (“amenable mortality”) has been defined as “premature deaths that should not occur in the presence of timely and effective health care” and as “conditions for which effective clinical interventions exist”. Although it proved to be a reliable indicator of performance of health care services in the European countries at national level, evidence about its regional variation is limited. We analyzed the regional and gender variability in the performance of health care services using the amenable mortality rate and its contribution to all-cause mortality under age 75 for the period 2006–2009. Methods: The national amenable mortality rate was calculated as the average annual number of deaths for specific causes defined according to the list of Nolte and McKee over the average population aged 0–74 years per 100,000 inhabitants in Italy. The contribution of amenable mortality to all-cause mortality (%AM) was calculated as the ratio of amenable mortality rate to all-cause mortality rate. Results were then stratified by gender, region, and year. Data were drawn from national mortality statistics for the period 2006–2009 provided by the Italian Institute of Statistics (ISTAT). Results: During the index period, in Italy the age and sex-standardized death rate amenable to health care services (SDR) was 62.4 per 100,000 inhabitants: 65.8 per 100,000 for males and 59.0 for females. Amenable mortality accounted for about one-quarter (25.3%) of total mortality under age 75: one-fifth (20.1%) for males and one-third (32.9%) for females. Southern Italy generally had higher levels of amenable mortality, both in terms of SDR and %AM, except for Puglia. However, SDRs and %AM had a different geographical pattern, which was consistent for men and women. Examination of temporal trends revealed that SDR linearly declined between 2006 and 2009 (63.9 to 61.7 per 100,000; % change = –3.4%; p = 0.021), while %AM was almost stable (25.1% to 25.7%; % change = +2.4%; p = 0.120). Piedmont, Lombardy, the autonomous province of Trento, Veneto and Campania had a linear decrease in SDR, while Abruzzo had a linear increase in SDR. Puglia had a linear increase in %AM. Conclusions: The present study contributes additional evidence on the role of amenable mortality as a synthetic indicator of the effectiveness of health care services. We argue that, in a decentralized health care system such as the Italian one, regional stratification is needed to put amenable mortality into the context of the regional specificities of health care provision. We also demonstrated that it is important to consider both SDRs and %AM, because this latter measure can give an insight on the extent to which health services can contribute to ameliorating the health of a population. Thus, consideration of both SDRs and %AM can be useful for national and regional comparisons, and can constitute the basis for evidence-based policy decision making.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 539-543
Author(s):  
Christos Iliadis ◽  
Aikaterini Frantzana ◽  
Kiriaki Tachtsoglou ◽  
Maria Lera ◽  
Petros Ouzounakis

Introduction: The quality of health care services is one of the most frequently mentioned terms and concepts regarding principles of health policy and it is currently high on the agenda of National, European and International policy makers. Purpose: The purpose of this descriptive review is to investigate the correlation between quality in health services and the promotion of health care quality provided by health services. Methodology: The study material consisted of recent articles on the subject mainly found in the Medline electronic database and the Hellenic Academic Libraries Association (HEAL-Link). Results: The clinical quality of services is often difficult to be assessed by "clients" even after the service has been provided. This is due to the fact that customers experience illness, pain, uncertainty, fear and perceived lack of control. Thus, clients may be reluctant to "co-produce" because healthcare is a service they need while they may not want it and because the risk to harm their health is prominent. In the field of healthcare management, patients' perception refers to perceived quality, as opposed to the actual or absolute quality that requires critical management. This is why health care managers face constant pressure to provide qualitative health services. Conclusions: Continuous monitoring of health care services for quality assessment is essential, hence, the evaluation of patients' perceptions of quality of healthcare, has received considerable attention in recent years.


2021 ◽  
pp. 29-38
Author(s):  
Ivica Flis Smaka ◽  

The fundamental responsibility of providing health care services falls to the doctor, who must always act impartially and thus act to protect the medical profession's reputation, as he exercises his rights and freedoms and fulfills his duties. As per the law, a doctor may, independently from the state, provide medical services that abide by the requirements and regulations of the labor laws and the Medical Practitioners Act. The Health Services Act governs the content and performance of health care services, the public medical service, and the connection of organizations and individuals within healthcare. There are no rules or obligations in any official laws or directives that would regulate and decree a doctor's standardized work.


Author(s):  
Fatemeh Rahmanian ◽  
Soheila Nazarpour ◽  
Masoumeh Simbar ◽  
Ali Ramezankhani ◽  
Farid Zayeri

AbstractBackgroundA dimension of reproductive health services that should be gender sensitive is reproductive health services for adolescents.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess needs for gender sensitive reproductive health care services for adolescents.MethodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional study on 341 of health care providers for adolescents in health centers and hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran in 2016. The subjects of the study were recruited using a convenience sampling method. The tools for data collection were: (1) a demographic information questionnaire and; (2) a valid and reliable questionnaire to Assess the Needs of Gender-Sensitive Adolescents Reproductive Health Care Services (ANQ-GSARHS) including three sections; process, structure and policy making for the services. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.ResultsThree hundred and forty-one health providers with an average working experience of 8.77 ± 5.39 [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] years participated in the study. The results demonstrated the highest scores for educational needs (92.96% ± 11.49%), supportive policies (92.71% ± 11.70%) and then care needs (92.37% ± 14.34%) of the services.ConclusionsProviding gender sensitive reproductive health care services for adolescents needs to be reformed as regards processes, structure and policies of the services. However, the gender appropriate educational and care needs as well as supportive policies are the priorities for reform of the services.


2012 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Mlenzana ◽  
R. Mwansa

To establish satisfaction level of persons with disabilitiesregarding health services at primary health care centres in Ndola, Zambia.Key stakeholders views on satisfaction of services is an important componentof service rendering thus obtaining information is important in assistingwith the evaluation of health care service delivery. This will assist in improvingeffectiveness and availability of health care services to persons with physicaldisabilities.All persons with disabilities attending both rehabilitation centres andprimary health care centres in Ndola, Zambia, were targeted for this study. Willing participants were convenientlyselected to take part in the study.A cross sectional, descriptive study design using quantitative methods of data collection was used. The GeneralPractice Assessment Questionnaire was adjusted, piloted for Ndola population and used in this study to establishsatisfaction of participants. The study was ethically cleared at the University of the Western Cape and Zambia.Information and consent forms were signed by participants.Quantitative data was analysed descriptively and was reported in percentages.In the current study there were 191 participants of whom 56% were male and 44% were female with age rangefrom 18-65 years. Fifty-two percent of the participants presented with learning disabilities and 38% of persons withphysical disabilities. Majority of clients (54%) were dissatisfied with availability of services and health care servicesat the health care centres. Areas that clients were dissatisfied with were accessibility, consultation with health professionals,waiting times and opening hours of the health care centres.Clients with disabilities who accessed health care services from selected health centres in Ndola were dissatisfiedwith aspects of health services. Accessibility, consultation with health professionals, waiting times and opening hoursof the health care centres were the origin of client dissatisfaction. Other clients were satisfied with thoroughness ofhealth care providers regarding symptoms, feelings, reception and treatment received at the primary health care centre.Understanding the views of the clients is essential in improving health delivery services and could impact on thecompliance of people attending primary health care services.


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanna Hihnala ◽  
Lilja Kettunen ◽  
Marjo Suhonen ◽  
Hanna Tiirinki

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss health services managers’ experiences of management in a special health-care unit and development efforts from the point of view of the Lean method. Additionally, the aim is to deepen the knowledge of the managers’ work and nature of the Lean method development processes in the workplace. The research focuses on those aspects and results of Lean method that are currently being used in health-care environments. Design/methodology/approach These data were collected through a number of thematic interviews. The participants were nurse managers (n = 7) and medical managers (n = 7) who applied Lean management in their work at the University Hospital in the Northern Ostrobothnia Health Care District. The data were analysed with a qualitative content analysis. Findings A common set of values in specialized health-care services, development of activities and challenges for management in the use of the Lean manager development model to improve personal management skills. Practical implications Managers in specialized health-care services can develop and systematically manage with the help of the Lean method. This emphasizes assumptions, from the point of view of management, about systems development when the organization uses the Lean method. The research outcomes originate from specialized health-care settings in Finland in which the Lean method and its associated management principles have been implemented and applied to the delivery of health care. Originality/value The study shows that the research results and in-depth knowledge on Lean method principles can be applied to health-care management and development processes. The research also describes health services managers’ experiences of using the Lean method. In the future, these results can be used to improve Lean management skills, identify personal professional competencies and develop skills required in development processes. Also, the research findings can be used in the training of health services managers in the health-care industry worldwide and to help them survive the pressure to change repeatedly.


Author(s):  
Bobby Kurian

This case study has been developed to promote understanding the e-tailing of health services. E-health web portal provides a new medium for information dissemination, interaction and collaboration among institutions, health professionals, health providers and the public. This case study provides a founders perspective in setting up and running a medical website that offers online health care services to customers across the world. The case study discusses the challenges and issues faced by the founders and also the promoter's perspective on the lucrativeness of offering e-tailing services. Using this case study an attempt is made to stress the importance of a flexible e-tailing business model specific to the services offered and need of periodic assessments to ensure that the business runs profitable.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Larrea ◽  
R Leyva-Flores ◽  
N Guarneros-Soto ◽  
C Infante-Xibille

Abstract Background Mexico has implemented policies seeking to reduce barriers to care for migrants in transit; however, it is estimated that only 3% of migrants use public health services when needed. The main purpose of this study was to identify the barriers to access public health services faced by migrants in transit through Mexico. Methods Under the human security perspective, in 2018, a qualitative study was carried out in Mexican communities with high migrant mobility. 34 semi-structured interviews were conducted with migrants in transit, and personnel from public health services and migrant shelters (NGOs). Values and meanings related to risks, health problems, barriers to care, experiences of health services utilization, and opinions on facilitating elements to diminish these barriers were identified. Results Migrants in transit through Mexico face risks that affect all dimensions of human security. Perceived anti-migratory and discriminative attitudes during the journey were constantly mentioned in the interviews. Barriers to care were found in the four stages of health care access, classified according to the Tanahashi framework, with the majority related to accessibility and acceptability. The following facilitating elements were also identified: political willingness of local government, knowledge and talent management of health personnel, and strategies implemented for adapting local health care services to migrants. Conclusions Social and political conditions in Mexico disrupt any effort to reduce social risks and barriers to care for migrants in transit. Non-governmental actors are key players for facilitating interactions between migrants and local governmental health care institutions. However, the general anti-migratory context negatively affects access to health care and influence the perspectives of migrants, NGOs, and health personnel. Key messages The predominant perceived barriers to care are in counterpoint to local governmental pro-migrant rights perspectives. NGOs are key actors to promote access to public health care services.


Author(s):  
Guey-Shin Shyu ◽  
Shinn-Jou Lin ◽  
Wei-Ta Fang ◽  
Bai-You Cheng

Engaging in social contributions to enhance social participation and attending community experiential service learning or internship courses have become an essential learning experience for university students. On the basis of postmodern education theories, this study adopted images and oral accounts involving personal experiences to construct a postmodern education research scheme by using the method of collaborative ethnography. This study selected and performed the following services: filming a community documentary, administering community health dance classes, and archiving community cultural artifacts in databases. Interviews were also administered to facilitate implementation of the actual services. Community health services commonly seen in Taiwan and abroad were compiled, and the resources required for each service were examined. Subsequently, factor analysis was performed to explore the characteristic of these services in order to recommend feasible services for university students to undertake. The results indicated that the eight resources required for the 59 common community health services were (1) a designated space or venue, (2) materials, (3) monetary resources, (4) human resources, (5) expertise, (6) professional equipment, (7) patience, and (8) empathy. The results revealed three principal components, namely labor services, high-resource services, and professional services, for a total explanatory power of 67.99%; the individual explanatory power of these components accounted for 25.04%, 21.81%, and 21.15%, respectively. Next, community health care services suitable for university students to perform were selected and implemented, and these services were well received. The study results indicated that community and environmental justice can be realized by identifying with the value of community health services and promoting postmodern education theories and social norms. The research results are suitable for implementation after the COVID-19 pandemic.


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