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Diversity of Pediatric Workforce and Education in 2012 in Europe: A Need for Unifying Concepts or Accepting Enjoyable
Jochen H H Ehrich1, Alfred Tenore2, Stefano del Torso3
1European Paediatric Association, The Union of National European Paediatric Societies and Associations (EPA-UNEPSA), Berlin, Germany; Children's Hospital, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
Insights
European child healthcare varies significantly, with pediatricians primarily serving young children (0-5 years). Many countries face declining pediatrician numbers, necessitating a review of pediatric and general practitioner roles.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Healthcare Delivery
- Comparative Health Systems Analysis
- European Public Health
Background:
- Child healthcare service delivery differs across European nations.
- Understanding these variations is crucial for optimizing pediatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare child healthcare service delivery across European health care systems.
- To identify differences in provider roles and training.
Main Methods:
- Survey of child healthcare experts from 40 national pediatric societies (EU and non-EU).
- Investigation of healthcare providers for three pediatric age groups (0-5, 6-11, >11 years).
- Assessment of pediatric training and education.
Main Results:
- Primary care pediatricians serve 70-100% of children aged 0-5 in 24/36 countries; general practitioners (GPs) serve >60% in 12/36.
- Pediatrician median care: 80% (0-5 yrs), 50% (6-11 yrs), 25% (>11 yrs).
- Pediatrician numbers are decreasing in half of the countries, often linked to shifts towards GP-led primary care.
Conclusions:
- Significant variations exist in European pediatric workforce and training systems.
- Evidence-based assessment is needed to define the optimal balance between pediatricians and GPs.
- Strategic planning is required to address workforce trends and ensure adequate pediatric care.
Objective:
To evaluate differences in child health care service delivery in Europe based on comparisons across health care systems active in European nations.
Study Design:
A survey involved experts in child health care of 40 national pediatric societies belonging both to European Union and non-European Union member countries. The study investigated which type of health care provider cared for children in 3 different age groups and the pediatric training and education of this workforce.
Results:
In 24 of 36 countries 70%-100% of children (0-5 years) were cared for by primary care pediatricians. In 12 of 36 of countries, general practitioners (GPs) provided health care to more than 60% of young children. The median percentage of children receiving primary health care by pediatricians was 80% in age group 0-5 years, 50% in age group 6-11, and 25% in children >11 years of age. Postgraduate training in pediatrics ranged from 2 to 6 years. A special primary pediatric care track during general training was offered in 52% of the countries. One-quarter (9/40) of the countries reported a steady state of the numbers of pediatricians, and in one-quarter (11/40) the number of pediatricians was increasing; one-half (20/40) of the countries reported a decreasing number of pediatricians, mostly in those where public health was changing from pediatric to GP systems for primary care.
Conclusions:
An assessment on the variations in workforce and pediatric training systems is needed in all European nations, using the best possible evidence to determine the ideal skill mix between pediatricians and GPs.
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