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Observational Study
. 2021 Jan-Dec:58:469580211060295.
doi: 10.1177/00469580211060295.

Geographical and Temporal Distribution of Radiologists, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Scanners in Croatia

Zrinka Biloglav  1 , Petar Medaković  2 , Dina Vrkić  3 , Boris Brkljačić  4   5 , Ivan Padjen  4   6 , Josip Ćurić  5 , Franko Žuvela  7 , Gordana Ivanac  4   5
Affiliations
Observational Study

Geographical and Temporal Distribution of Radiologists, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Scanners in Croatia

Zrinka Biloglav et al. Inquiry. 2021 Jan-Dec.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyse the temporal and geographic distribution of radiologists, computed tomography and magnetic resonance scanners in Croatia. In this observational study we estimated radiologists' number per 100,000 population for 1997, 2006, and 2017 and compared private and public CT and MR scanners between 2011 and 2018. We analyzed the availability of radiologists and scanners, and the relationship between the radiological workforce and economic strength among counties. The workforce increased significantly from 1997 to 2017 and was associated with economic strength categories in 2017. In 2018, there were more CT scanners in the public sector, while MR scanners were distributed evenly. In 2011, there was similar distribution of CT and MR between sectors, while in 2018 there were significantly more public CT scanners. Counties with a medical school had significantly more radiologists and MR scanners. The high-to-low ratios per CT and MR were 11 and 8.2, suggesting inequality of health care. Croatia significantly increased its radiological workforce; however, cross-county inequality remained. Counties with higher economic strength and medical schools have better availability of radiologists and equipment. To ensure the sustainable activity of the health care system, a precise estimate of supply and demand of radiology services is needed.

Keywords: CT/MR scanners; Croatia; radiologist rate; radiologists; workforce.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
The number of radiologists per 100,000 general population in 1997.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
The number of radiologists per 100,000 general population in 2006.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
The number of radiologists per 100,000 general population in 2017.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Distribution of Croatian Chamber of economy indices for 2017. Across counties; low (67.0–77.3), lower-intermediate (77.6–85.8), upper-intermediate (87.1–92.1), high (95.2–147.6).
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Percent change in radiologists per 100,000 general population from 1997 to 2017. LS, Lika-Senj; BB, Bjelovar-Bilogora; SM, Sisak-Moslavina; VP, Virovitica-Podravina; SD, Split-Dalmatia; ZAG, Zagreb; PG, Primorje-Gorski Kotar; CZ, City of Zagreb; IS, Istria; KA, Karlovac; ŠK, Šibenik-Knin; DN, Dubrovnik-Neretva; MEĐ, Međimurje; ZD, Zadar; VŽ, Varaždin; VS, Vukovar-Srijem; PS, Požega-Slavonia; OB, Osijek-Baranja; KK, Koprivnica-Križevci; KZ, Krapina-Zagorje; BP, Brod-Posavina.
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Number of CT scanners.
Figure 7.
Figure 7.
Number of MR scanners.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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