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Objective: The aim of this paper is to trace evolution of mental health system in Poland. Method: Available Polish literature and fundamental policy documents including mental health legislation are reviewed and major milestones in this evolution identified and then discussed against the background of political and social developments. Results: The mental health system evolved since the beginning of the 1970s from large hospitals towards community-based care. It was found that the changes were rather slow due to financial shortages and lack of clear demand from users. Recent transitions offer opportunities to increase impact of users and their families. On the other hand, however, introduction of health insurance system reduces prospects for well co-ordinated mental health policy and may lead to inequalities in access to services. Conclusion: It can be concluded that evolution of mental health services has been influenced by prevailing ideologies as much as by technical and professional considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The medical services market in developed countries is subject to market principles only to a limited extent. In fact, its size and directions of development are determined by all stakeholders through their influence on consumers and payers of health services. The aim of this study is to identify the main market participants and forms of influence used to modify the supply and demand for health services. Design/methodology/approach: The basic research problem concerns the identification of interest groups influencing the size of the health services market and forms of influence on other market participants to ensure the implementation of the set health and economic objectives. Findings: The influence of medical market interest groups leads to an increase in the quantity and quality of medical services provided to consumers in excess of market demand. It also causes a permanent failure to meet the demand for free health services. Practical implications: The planning of health expenditures should take into account the activity of interest groups operating in the health services market, which leads to an inefficient allocation of financial resources expected by society to finance health services and public, economic, and social institutions operating in its immediate vicinity. Social implications: The present paper is a voice in the discussion on the rationalization of health expenditures incurred by society. The decision on the scope of health services provided flows from public and private payers to health and peri-health care providers, medical equipment and pharmaceutical manufacturers, and private and public health sector administration. Originality/value: Identification of entities directly influencing the health services market in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Scientiarum Polonorum. Oeconomia is the property of Wydawnictwo SGGW and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Scientific Journal European Policies, Finance & Marketing / Polityki Europejskie, Finanse & Marketing is the property of Wydawnictwo SGGW and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The main purpose of this paper is to examine the farmers’ opinion on the functioning of their dedicated social insurance system. Particular attention was also paid to the development of different forms of social insurance and to the functioning of the Farmers’ Social Insurance Fund (Polish acronym: KRUS). The analysis was based on a literature review and a survey conducted with 114 farmers registered in KRUS offices located in Działdowo, Iława and Ostróda, with assistance from the Olsztyn Regional Branch. The data collected enables an objective assessment of the entire social insurance system and reflects the farmers’ views on the system and its reforms. The research shows that the accident insurance, health insurance and maternity insurance schemes work very well (41%) or well (34%) according to the farmers concerned. The respondents also expressed their satisfaction with activities undertaken by KRUS, especially in the social field (61%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Financial Internet Quarterly 'e-Finanse' is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The share of privately paid medical care is steadily increasing. Polish patients pay immediately for single services and may also privately conclude the contracts for medical insurance or subscription (steady access to complex private medical care). The aim of this paper is to draw the reader's attention to the possibilities a Polish patient has of obtaining complex private medical care. The paper describes the range of services which are guaranteed for all patients insured by National Health Fund (financed from public resources) and contracts of private health insurance and medical subscription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Marketing & Management of Innovations / Marketing ì Menedžment Ìnnovacìj is the property of Sumy State University, Department of Marketing & Management of Innovative Activity and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In Poland, the low level of health care financing from public funds is becoming increasingly voiced and accepted as an argument not only for increasing health insurance contributions, but also for extending the scope of private funding. The objective of this paper is to analyze the level and structure of out-of-pocket expenditure in Poland as well as health care consumer characteristics influencing payments for health care and willingness to pay. The analysis relies on two main sources of micro data: the household budget surveys of the Central Statistical Office of Poland and a representative survey carried out in Poland in 2010. The results indicate that in the structure of out-of-pocket expenditure, spending on pharmaceuticals dominates (up to 80%of total out-of-pocket expenditure on health). The out-of-pocket expenditure on services most often refers to paying for outpatient specialists' services, rehabilitation services and dental care, often in the private sector. Out-of-pocket expenditures are highest among population groups with high health needs (elderly, disabled, chronically ill) but also among individuals with high income. Polish consumers do not object to co-payments for health services with good quality and quick access. Greater stated willingness to pay characterizes younger people, those with higher income and better health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is an effort to find what determined the success of Polish health reform implemented in 1999 in the Silesian Voivodeship. The problem has been referred to "social capital" proposed by R. Putnam; the first part of the article contains a short description of this approach. Then data concerning health insurance performance in Poland are presented, which confirm that the Silesian Regional Sickness Fund functioned most effectively. As a possible factor influencing present decentralised institutions performance, the situation of the Silesian Region during the mid-war period was described. Autonomy of the region, as well as tradition of social voluntary activity may be a source of "social capital" in Putnam's meaning. Besides, continuity of the Prussian bismarckian health insurance system is presented as a potential source of "institutional memory" also increasing the present reform's chances for success. In the last part of the paper, limitations of applying the "social capital" approach to the Silesian case are presented, such as shortness of the mid-war autonomy period and changes in the cultural structure of Upper Silesia caused by migrations after World War II. Other factors, which could increase the efficacy of the health insurance system, such as relatively high incomes of the region's inhabitants, are also described. Nevertheless, the final conclusion is that social and cultural conditions deriving from historical traditions could have had a significant influence on the process of implementing health reform in 1999. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are considered as a group of high risk of oral cavity diseases. One of the determinants of alveolar bone loss and increased teeth mobility in ESRD patients might be the bone abnormalities associated with chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD). Objectives. The aim of the study was to compare the general health condition, number and location of teeth in a group of ESRD patients with the group of peers from general population and revealing the risk factors of tooth loss. Material and methods. The ESRD group included 63 patients, 23 females and 40 males, undergoing dialysis with a mean age of 62.4 ± 15.6. The general population sample consisted of 37 people, 20 females and 17 males, applying for general practitioner visit, with a mean age of 65.5 ± 11.1. All the participants were using just public health care insurance. The data analysis was based on anamnesis, history of CKD, selected biochemical parameters of blood tests and clinical examination. Results. There was no statistical difference in the prosthetic needs of patients undergoing dialysis and the general population. In both groups the situation is alarming. Conclusions. The new procedures are needed to develop complex health care for ESRD and general population patients, emphasizing prophylaxis of tooth-loss and prosthetic treatment in order to maintain good level of life quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Female football is becoming an increasingly popular women's team sports discipline around the world. The Women's Football Committee in the Polish Football Association has developed a long-term strategic plan to popularize the discipline across the country and enhance girls' participation. On one hand, it is postulated to increase the number of female footballers, and on the other hand, it is crucial to decrease the number of girls quitting football prematurely. Objective: To find the reasons for sports career termination among female football players. Design: Cross-sectional with retrospective information about reasons of career termination. Setting: Online questionnaire was filled out by online access. Participants: Ninety-three former female footballers. Main Outcome Measures: Factors leading to career termination. Methods: Participants completed the online questionnaire. The analysis was performed referring to 2 groups: "injury group"—in which the injury was the main reason for quitting football, and "other group"—in which the female player stopped playing football due to all other factors. Results: Thirty percent of former Polish female football players terminated their career due to a long-term treatment for an injury. Over 27% (27.7%) females had ended their careers because they were not able to reconcile sports with work/studying. Over 10% (10.8%) of former football players reported that becoming a wife and/or mother was the reason for career termination. Losing motivation and interest in the sport was reported by 9.2% (n = 6) of present study participants who decided to terminate the career due to noninjury reasons. Conclusions: The results clearly show that more effort is needed to support female football players, especially after an injury, so that they do not quit the sport voluntarily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The main purpose of this article was to explore main factors of choice of private medical services by Polish patients. Design/methodology/approach: In the theoretical part of the article, the current situation in health care sector in Poland was discussed. Also, based on the literature authors introduced their own classification of factors of choice of private medical services. The empirical research was conducted in August 2021. Finally, 122 participants were included in a research sample. Findings: The biggest number of respondents indicated the availability of appointments as the most fundamental aspect. Also, the study revealed other factors, especially choosing a particular physician, previous positive experiences, the transparency of treatment and the quality of care as important for patient’s choice. Research limitations/implications: Research was limited to the private sector which results from the fact that its share on the market grows and is increasingly popular among foreigners. It is worth considering to further deepen the research including studying factors in public health care sector to compare them or to expand the research group to a larger population. Due to technical development forced by recent epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2019 pandemic, also it is worth to include telemedicine into future studies. Practical implications: Private sector operates on the laws of economy which allow the implication of research findings to gain competitive advantage in areas which are most important for patients treated as customers. Outcomes of this article have practical implications for private medical entities. They could enhance operation areas which were chosen by patients. Social implications: Polish health care sector is one of the national economy segments. Providing access to medical services for citizens is one of important government’s activities. In case of insufficient access, private sector may be able to support public health care system. Originality/value: It is crucial to conduct such a research among Polish patients because these factors may differ due to a particular country and its specific determinants like political solutions, culture, functioning of health care system, types of medical insurance and other specific conditions. Moreover, in the theoretical part of the article, authors built their own classification of factors of choice of private medical services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the right to health care. Various expressions of this right may be distinguished. These include both individual rights and social rights which could be based upon international treaties and constitutional rights. They may be found in national health legislation and, in some cases, in jurisprudence. To analyze the consequences of limiting the right to health care, a framework for judicial review has been developed which encompasses these expressions of the right to health care. The framework was used to examine legal and health policy developments in three Western and two Eastern European countries. In Italy and the Netherlands the right to health care is protected constitutionally (but on differing legal bases) while the United Kingdom does not have a written constitution. In contrast, Hungary and Poland have for many years seen the state take responsible for the provision, administration and allocation of health care services and the right to health care was guaranteed theoretically but not in practice because of the lack of (financial) means. However, the Polish Constitution explicitly anticipates possible limitations of the right to health care. What all these countries have in common is a cost containment perspective where the future will bring even tighter limits on what resources patients may consume. Despite differences in legal structure between these countries, where they seem to converge is on the consequences of putting limitations on the right to health care. The courts in Italy, the Netherlands and the UK have formulated conditions drawn from the acceptance that this right has to be judged within the context of limited resources. It may be concluded that finding a compromise between the right to health care and cost containment policies could also be an issue, Eastern European countries will have to face in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Health Policy, Insurance & Management / Polityka Zdrowotna is the property of Insurance Institute in Poland and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Health Policy, Insurance & Management / Polityka Zdrowotna is the property of Insurance Institute in Poland and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Research Papers of the Wroclaw University of Economics / Prace Naukowe Uniwersytetu Ekonomicznego we Wroclawiu is the property of Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny we Wroclawiu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Studia i Materialy Polskiego Stowarzyszenia Zarzadzania Wiedza / Studies & Proceedings Polish Association for Knowledge Management is the property of Polish Society of Knowledge Management and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In Poland, there is a growing interest in the health insurance offer, due to the problems faced by the health care system, resulting in hindered access to medical services for patients and long waiting time. This is the effect, among others, of low financial outlays on health care in our country - lower than average expenditure in the same field in other European countries, causing growing dissatisfaction of medical staff from received remuneration and their migration to highly developed countries with high expenditure for health protection. In addition, the demographic structure of medical professionals is also unfavorable in Poland. The situation described in connection with the technological progress and growing expectations of customers and the desire to satisfy them by the Insurers has become a factor determining the development of product and process innovations in the area of health insurance in Poland. The innovations introduced by Insurance Companies are aimed at ensuring the high quality of services expected by customers, the short time of waiting for a medical service and are crucial to achieving their competitive advantage. This study aims to identify and describe product and process innovations in the area of health insurance in Poland on the example of insurance offer with telemedicine services, which allow to facilitate access to health care, shorten the waiting time for the service and to adjust the insurance offer to the situation on the market of medical services suppliers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]