Pasientnærhet

Pasientnærhet refers to the proximity and accessibility of healthcare services to patients. It is a key concept in healthcare policy and practice, aiming to ensure that individuals can receive timely and appropriate medical care without undue burden. This concept encompasses several dimensions, including geographical accessibility, temporal accessibility, and financial accessibility.

Geographical pasientnærhet relates to the physical distance between a patient's residence and healthcare facilities. In rural or remote areas, achieving high geographical pasientnærhet can be challenging, often requiring innovative solutions like mobile clinics or telehealth services. Temporal pasientnærhet focuses on the waiting times for appointments and treatments. Long waiting lists can lead to delayed diagnoses and interventions, negatively impacting patient outcomes. Financial pasientnærhet ensures that the cost of healthcare does not prevent individuals from seeking or receiving necessary treatment. This is often addressed through insurance schemes or public funding of healthcare systems.

The principle of pasientnærhet influences the planning and organization of healthcare services. It encourages the decentralization of some services, the integration of care pathways, and the use of technology to bridge geographical gaps. Ultimately, enhancing pasientnærhet is about making healthcare more patient-centered and responsive to the needs of the population.