Primary care and providers in Hungary, 2018

Abstract

Trends and the main problems since the introduction of primary care (PC) system in Hungary (1992) were evaluated. Shortage of human resources, reduced professional competences, enormous administrative burden, and inappropriate health policy is described. There are no primary care guidelines and reliable quality indicators. Professional education of family physicians, working nowadays in the PC system, is appropriate. Their workload and the number of patients' visit are high, mainly because of the low health literacy in the general population and due to the administrative requirements. Although financing has been increased in the previous years, it is less than desired. PC needs a priority in the healthcare system; providers need higher income and attractive professional carrier, more focus to PC in the undergraduate education. Legislations in PC should be based on conceptual planning and consensus of professional bodies. Decision making needs a previous evaluation of expected outcomes, quality insurance should be developed, appropriate performance payment, less and rational administrative tasks, new structures of PC provision should be implemented respecting the local needs, supported by a clear communication of policy makers. PC system at higher level could have more benefit for the population.