STAFFING OF THE REGIONAL OPHTHALMOLOGY SERVICE: MEDICAL AND SOCIAL ANALYSIS OF THE DEFICIENCY OF SPECIALISTS AND WAYS TO OVERCOME IT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/1681-2786.2026.1.16092Keywords:
staffing; ophthalmological service; shortage of specialists; regional level; medical and social analysis; migration of medical personnel; optimization of personnel policy.Abstract
Purpose. To conduct a medical and social analysis of the staffing of the ophthalmology service of the Trans- carpathian region, to identify the main factors of the shortage of specialists and to substantiate ways to optimize personnel policy at the regional level. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted during 2022–2024 on the basis of healthcare institutions of the Transcarpathian region. The staffing of 1 regional ophthalmology center, 12 ophthalmology departments of dis- trict hospitals and 23 ophthalmology offices was analyzed. The characteristics of 84 ophthalmologists were studied. A sociological survey of 67 ophthalmologists and 42 healthcare organizers was conducted. Medical and statistical, sociological, systems analysis and expert assessment methods were used. Results. A critical level of shortage of ophthalmologists in the Transcarpathian region was established, which is 30.0% of the regulatory need. The region’s provision decreased from 3.2 to 2.8 per 100 thousand population during 2019–2024. Significant unevenness in the territorial distribution of personnel was identified, with a concentration in the regional center (4.8 per 100 thousand) and a deficit in the districts (1.2–2.4 per 100 thousand). The average age of ophthalmologists is 52.3 years, the share of specialists over 50 years old is 57.1%. The main factors of the deficit are low wages (89.6% of respondents), unsatisfactory working conditions (58.2%), lack of housing (43.3%). 34.3% of doctors have migration intentions, among young specialists – 58.3%. Priority areas for optimization are identified as increasing wages, providing housing, improving the material and technical base, and targeted training of personnel. Conclusions. The staffing of the ophthalmological service of the Transcarpathian region is characterized by a critical shortage of specialists, uneven territorial distribution and aging personnel. Solving the problem requires a comprehensive approach with the implementation of measures to increase material motivation, improve working conditions, introduce targeted training of personnel and develop telemedical technologies.
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