Analysis of changes in cancer health care system in Poland since the socio-economic transformation in 1989
Journal Title: Roczniki Państwowego Zakładu Higieny - Year 2016, Vol 67, Issue 4
Abstract
Background. The transformation period in Poland is associated with a set of factors seen as ‘socio-economic stress’, which unfavourably influenced cancer treatment and slowed down the progress of the Polish cancer care in the 90’s. These outcomes in many aspects of cancer care may be experienced till today. The results of the international EUROCARE and CONCORD studies based on European data prove evidence that there is a substantial potential for improvement of low 5-year survival rates in Poland. Since high survivals are related to notably efficient health care system, therefore, to improve organization and treatment methods seems to be one of the most important directions of change in the Polish health care system. Till today, cancer care in Poland is based on a network outlined by Professor Koszarowski in the Middle of the last century, and is a solid foundation for the contemporary project of the Comprehensive Cancer Care Network (CCCN) proposed in the frame of CanCon Project. Objective. Analysis of the structure of health care system and the changes introduced within the network of oncology in Poland since the beginning of the post-commuinist socio-economic transformation in 1989. Materials and Methods. This study was conducted based on the CanCon methods aimed at reviewing specialist literaturę and collecting meaningful experiences of European countries in cancer care, including the main legal regulations. Results. The analysis provided evidence that the political situation and the economic crisis of the Transformation period disintegrated the cancer care and resulted in low 5-year survival rates. A step forward in increasing efficiency of the cancer treatment care was a proposal of the ’Quick Oncological Therapy’ together with one more attempt to organize a CCCN. With this paper the Authors contribute to the CanCon Project by exploration, analysis and discussion of the cancer network in Poland as an example of existing net-like structures in Europe as well as by preparation of guidelines for constructing a contemporary CCCN. Conclusions. (1) ‘Socio-economic’ stress adversely affected the efficiency of oncological treatment, both by reducing safety and slowing down the development of modern oncology. (2) Changing the current system into the contemporary form - CCCN could be an important step forward to optimise the oncological health care in Poland. (3) Introduction of the mandatory monitoring of organizational changes with the use of health standardized indicators could allow for the assessment of the effectiveness of implemented solutions and their impact on better prognosis for cancer patients. (4) Optimising the organization of the health care system is possible only by implementing necessary legislative corrections .
Authors and Affiliations
D. Dudek-Godeau, A. Kieszkowska-Grudny, K. Kwiatkowska, J. Bogusz, M. J. Wysocki, M. Bielska-Lasota
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP250623
- DOI -
- Views 82
- Downloads 0
Pesticide residues in fruit and vegetable crops from the central and eastern region of Poland
Background. Fruit and vegetables have health and nutritional value, but can also be a source of toxic contaminants such as pesticide residues. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate presence of pesticide resid...
Evaluation of susceptibility of polymer and rubber materials intended into contact with drinking water on biofilm formation
Background. Plumbing materials in water distribution networks and indoor installations are constantly evolving. The application of new, more economical solutions with plastic materials eliminates the corrosion problems,...
Pesticide residues in raw agricultural products from the south-eastern region of Poland and the acute risk assessment
Background. The use of pesticide leads to the increase in quantity and quality of yields, but may also result in presence of toxic contaminants in food products. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate presence...
Selected eating behaviours of girls and boys attending sport-oriented classes
Background. Eating behaviours play a key role in lives of young people who stay physically active. They influence both their correct development and performance. Objective. Evaluation of selected eating behaviours of gi...
Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica): health promoting properties and therapeutic applications - a review
Chia has been known for over 5,500 years. Chia seeds were one of the most important components of the diet of Mayas and Aztecs. The chemical composition and technological properties of chia give the plant a high nutritio...