Understanding the effect of economic recession on healthcare services: a systematic review

Sánchez Recio, R. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Alonso Pérez de Ágreda, J. P. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Rabanaque, M. J. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Aguilar Palacio, I. (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Background: We aimed to examine the available evidence about the impact of the crisis on the use of healthcare services in Europe. Methods: We developed a systematic review of scientific literature for the period 2008-2017. The researchers searched three databases Medline/PubMed, Scopus and Web of Knowledge. For manual searching, several spe-cialized journals of related scope as well as the finalized articles'' reference list were searched. Descriptive and thematic analyses were carried out. PRISMA quality criteria and the recommendations of the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination were followed. Results: Of 3, 685 studies, 35 met inclusion criteria. Regarding “Effects of the social structure” healthcare accessibility inequalities increased by socioeconomic levels, especially in unemployed, people with low educational levels and migrants. Regarding “Healthcare effect”, the impact of the recession was observed in unmet needs, pharmaceutical spending containment, reduction of hospital beds, and privatization of services. Conclusion: Austerity policies have contributed to increasing inequalities in the use of health services during the economic downturn. In the current economic climate, new management and health planning strategies such as hospitalisation at home, new models of integrated care and pharmaceutical management are needed to help achieve greater equity and equality in health.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v51i3.8925

Año: 2022

Publicado en: IRAN J PUBLIC HEALTH 51, 3 (2022), 495-507
ISSN: 2251-6085

Factor impacto JCR: 1.4 (2022)

Categ. JCR: PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH rank: 155 / 180 = 0.861 (2022) - Q4 - T3
Categ. JCR: PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH rank: 179 / 207 = 0.865 (2022) - Q4 - T3

Factor impacto CITESCORE: 2.2 - Medicine (Q3)

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 0.358 - Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health (Q3)

Tipo y forma: Artículo (Versión definitiva)

Área (Departamento): Área Medic.Prevent.Salud Públ. (Dpto. Microb.Ped.Radio.Sal.Pú.)