Prepare for the next shock
Health system needs more coordination
The Swiss health system suffers from coordination problems. That’s the conclusion of a new study.
Published: 20 minutes ago
A study concludes that the healthcare system needs more coordination.
A new study examines the resilience of the Swiss healthcare system for the first time since the pandemic. The researchers at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) have identified an urgent need for action in the areas of personnel and coordination.
“When the pandemic subsides and new crises arise, all players must work together to ensure that our health system can withstand future shocks and stresses in the long term,” ZHAW health economist Simon Wieser was quoted as saying in a statement from the university on Tuesday.
The health care system is well staffed compared to other OECD countries and the staff is comparatively well paid, the researchers wrote in the report published on Tuesday. Nevertheless, the shortage of staff affects doctors, nurses and other specialists.
improve working conditions
The research team therefore recommends improving the working conditions for nursing staff. This can prevent nurses from reducing their working hours or leaving the profession early. The researchers are also calling for more doctors to be trained.
There is also a need for improvement at the interface between the cantons and the federal government. “The Covid 19 pandemic has made it clear that there is an increased need for coordination between the federal government and the cantons,” said co-author Matthias Maurer in the statement.
Another weakness is seen in the lack of coordination of services. This would primarily affect care after leaving the hospital. The authors see perhaps the most important reason for the poor coordination as being that Switzerland is lagging behind most comparable countries when it comes to setting up digital health platforms.
The study is part of a scientific project involving more than 20 countries. The report is based on the latest research and health data, as well as interviews with stakeholders from the respective fields. (SDA)