Economic crisis and challenges for the Greek healthcare system: the emergent role of nursing management

Abstract

Background: Despite several reform efforts, the Greek health care system still faces problems related to misdistribution of trained health staff and finance between geographical areas.

Aim: The objectives of the present study were to describe the current situation of the delivery of the healthcare service in Greece, to explore the basic implications of the economic crisis from a nursing management perspective and to examine future practices opening a debate in policy developments.

Key issue: The principal finding of this study was the serious shortage of trained nurses, the imbalances in nursing personnel, an excess of doctors and the complete absence of a Primary Healthcare System in civil areas provided by general doctors.

Conclusion: It is important that health care policy makers become aware and seriously consider rearranging the Health Care System to become more effective and efficient for the population (client). Special attention should be paid to strengthening areas such as primary health care, public health and health promotion in the direction of minimizing the demand of hospital services.

Implications for nursing management: Any implementation of major health care reforms should consider seriously the role of the nursing management which formulates the substantial link between the health services and the patient.