The analysis of healthcare service utilization among secondary and tertiary hospitals in Bolivia, 2017

Abstract

Background: Despite important gains in Bolivia's healthcare system and data monitoring, the quality and quantity of epidemiological studies is still limited. Lack of centralized and national epidemiological data coupled with limited human resources for research limit our understanding of the national healthcare service utilization. The evaluation of Bolivia's national healthcare service utilization is essential for understanding disease burden across the population and promote maintenance of health and well-being. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the national healthcare service utilization using recent epidemiological data from secondary and tertiary hospitals in 9 departments of Bolivia. Methods: The study sites included all geographical regions across 9 departments in Bolivia; provided 2017 epidemiological data collected from 43 secondary and 20 tertiary hospitals located in 9 departments. Based on the geographical characteristics of the 9 departments, healthcare service utilization was analyzed for the regions of Altiplano, plains, and lowlands. Results: Across all regions, the healthcare service utilization was the highest among patients with infectious diseases such as acute upper respiratory infection. Geographically, head injuries in the regions of Altiplano was higher compared to the regions of the plains and lowlands. In the regions of plains, digestive disorders and urinary dysfunction were higher than in the Altiplano and lowlands, while chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and diabetes were higher in the lowlands than in the Altiplano and plains. Conclusion: This study comprehensively analyzed the healthcare service utilization in all regions of Bolivia. These results serve as evidence to support the development and implementation of a national health plan for Bolivia that includes new and emerging diseases.