Authors

• Jylhäsaari, Jussi (University of Vaasa)

Keywords

community health services, dental care, development, health care costs, health care facilities, health professionals, health services, hospital districts, hospital services, joint authorities, local government services, medical care, medical centres, medical specialists, physicians, resources, strategies

Abstract

The survey focused on primary health care in Finland, how Finnish municipalities organise, produce and manage the services, what kind of changes have been made, and what are the strategies for the future. This survey was aimed at municipalities which organise health services in co-operation with other municipalities, through joint authority. Similar surveys were conducted in 1997 and 2003.

Questions covered primary health care service provision, and purchasing and competitive tendering of services. The respondents were asked to what extent they agreed with a number of statements pertaining to health care resources and facilities, public health work, and the joint authority. One topic pertained to hospital districts in Finland. Health care development strategies and plans were studied. Further questions covered the use of client satisfaction surveys and dental care.