Abstract

Background. Statistical indicators show that the efficiency of the Lithuanian healthcare system is not good enough. Indices provided in the 2014 report of Euro Health Consumer Powerhouse, compared to the results of other EU Member States, are often assessed as moderate or satisfactory only. The 2015 conclusions provided by the Council of the European Union contain recommendations to improve the performance results of the Lithuanian healthcare system. Moreover, knowing that the healthcare performance is not efficient is not very helpful. The biggest issue for the policy makers is to determine the reasons of the bad performance. It means that the processes and the outcomes have to be analysed, therefore specific and measurable criteria must be introduced.

Research aims. Following the analysis of statistical data, to identify the problem areas of the healthcare system, to point out the possible reasons for the problems and anticipate the actions, which could help effectively improve the performance results of the healthcare system.

Methodology. Analysis of statistical indices of 2014 carried out by Euro Health Consumer Powerhouse and of the performance measurement criteria adaptability and usage. In addition, a survey of the executives of Lithuanian healthcare institutions was carried out; the results of the survey will be systematized and used to examine the issue.

Findings. Performance measurement provides the information about the efficiency of the healthcare services from the perspective of service providers, users, and policy makers. The most challenging issue is the assessment of the performance and setting up the roots of the adjustable processes and outcomes. The survey of the Lithuanian healthcare institutions confirms the statistical data and helps to identify the problems of the healthcare performance.

Keywords: healthcare performance, performance indicators, performance criteria, quality indicators.

INTRODUCTION

According to the data of Health Consumer Powerhouse (HCP), the quality of medical services in the EU Member States is gradually improving. This has been determined by the improvement of patients’ knowledge about diseases and their treatment methods, more effective service accessibility, lower number and frequency of treatment-related and complication risks and better treatment outcomes. Nevertheless, there are still problems and perhaps it is time to stop using present and previous crises as a cover, because according to the HCP information, the correlation between the level of a country's economic development and the quality of medical services provided is very low.