Specialvård

Specialvård is a term used in the Swedish health care system to describe care that requires specialized expertise, equipment, or facilities beyond primary care. It is typically provided by hospital-based units or specialized clinics and is organized by county councils or regional health authorities. The aim is to diagnose, treat, and manage complex or rare conditions that cannot be adequately addressed in general practice.

Access to specialvård is usually by referral from primärvård (primary care) or other healthcare professionals, although some conditions or procedures may allow direct access. Care is designed to be coordinated and patient-centered, often delivered by multidisciplinary teams. Treatments can occur in outpatient clinics, as day surgeries, or as inpatient hospital care, and may include advanced diagnostics, specialized therapies, rehabilitation, and long-term management.

Examples of areas covered by specialvård include oncology, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, pediatric subspecialties, psychiatry with targeted interventions, dermatology, nephrology, and transplant services. The scope also encompasses specialized rehabilitation programs and palliative care for complex or progressive illnesses.

Organization and funding of specialvård in Sweden are primarily tax-based and provided through the county councils and regions. National guidelines and standards help shape patient pathways, quality measures, and waiting-time targets to promote access and equity. Data collection and continuous quality improvement are integral to maintaining safety and effectiveness.

Recent trends influence how specialvård is delivered, including digital health, telemedicine, and the concentration of expertise in regional centers for certain conditions. Ongoing challenges include workforce shortages in some specialties and regional variations in access, which policy aims to address while preserving continuity with primary care.