The availability of care places is a crucial factor for patient-safe and efficient healthcare. The Swedish Agency for Health and Care Services Analysis' recently published interim report on the government assignment shows that the initiative to increase the number of care places has not yet led to more available places at national level.
Sirona contributes analysis of psychiatric care and forensic psychiatry
As part of the evaluation, Sirona has contributed a background report focusing on specialized psychiatric care and forensic psychiatry. Our analyses, which are presented in the interim report, show that developments differ between different parts of psychiatry - with a decrease in available beds in general psychiatry, and a slight increase in forensic psychiatry.
Forensic psychiatry remains under pressure
Although forensic psychiatry has received more beds, the increase has not kept pace with the growing need. The situation in forensic psychiatry is therefore considered to be under particular pressure, with the risk of negative consequences for both patient flows and the quality of care. In other psychiatry, the analyses do not show a widespread shortage at national level - but there are major variations between regions. In several regions, occupancy rates are high and overcrowding is recurrent.
Data quality affects the possibilities for follow-up
The assignment also included an analysis of the availability of reliable and qualitative data on beds in specialized psychiatric care. It was found that different interpretations and handling of key definitions and concepts - as well as varying working methods and quality assurance procedures - create challenges for data quality. This, in turn, hampers adequate national follow-up and hinders effective governance and systematic development of care. In order to make informed decisions and monitor the effects of healthcare investments, better, more uniform and more accessible data is required.
Knowledge as a basis for effective and equal care
At Sirona, we are proud to have contributed in-depth analyses that can form the basis for continued development and improvement work. Our hope is that this work will contribute to more effective and equal care - especially for patients with the greatest needs.
👉 Read the Healthcare and social care analysis interim report here
Want to know more?
Please contact Shadi Abbas, Managing Director, or Julia Blomberg, Senior Consultant.
