Swiss hospitals are facing significant financial and operational challenges, according to a new study commissioned by the hospital association H+. The report highlights an urgent need for transformation across the healthcare sector to avoid potential service bottlenecks and declining quality.
The study points to rising demand for health services, a growing shortage of skilled workers, and non-cost-covering tariffs as primary drivers of the unsustainable situation. Without fundamental changes, the losses for Swiss hospitals could escalate to 1.1 billion Swiss francs by 2045.
Key Takeaways
- Swiss hospitals are financially and operationally unsustainable.
- Losses could reach 1.1 billion CHF by 2045 without intervention.
- Three key levers for transformation include better coordination, increased outpatient care, and digitalization.
- Policymakers must ensure cost-covering tariffs and reliable funding for innovation.
- A national strategy is crucial to address the severe shortage of skilled healthcare professionals.
The Current State of Swiss Healthcare
The healthcare landscape in Switzerland is under immense pressure. A recent study, presented by H+, reveals a system struggling with foundational issues. These issues threaten the long-term viability of hospital services.
Patient demand for medical services continues to grow steadily each year. At the same time, hospitals report severe difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified staff. This labor shortage is becoming a critical bottleneck.
Tariffs for medical procedures are often set below the actual cost of providing care. This creates a perpetual financial deficit for many institutions. These combined factors create an unsustainable model for the future.
Did You Know?
The projected losses for Swiss hospitals could reach CHF 1.1 billion by 2045 if current trends continue without significant reforms.
Three Pillars for Transformation
The study identifies three effective levers to transform the Swiss hospital system. These strategies aim to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance patient care.
1. Enhanced Coordination and Collaboration
Hospitals must improve coordination and collaboration among themselves. This approach allows individual institutions to specialize and avoid unnecessary duplication of services. Greater cooperation can lead to a more efficient allocation of resources and expertise across the country.
2. Increased Outpatient Care
Shifting towards more outpatient care is another crucial step. This strategy can help alleviate the shortage of skilled workers by creating more flexible work models. It also reduces overall healthcare costs in the long run.
Patients often prefer to avoid hospital stays when possible. Expanding outpatient options aligns with this preference, enhancing patient satisfaction and comfort.
"Ambulatory care can significantly reduce the burden on our hospitals and provide more flexible options for both patients and staff," stated a representative from H+ during the study presentation.
3. Digitalization of Services
Digitalization offers substantial benefits for the healthcare sector. It can boost the efficiency of service providers and improve seamless data exchange between different medical facilities. Digital solutions also lay the groundwork for new, innovative care models.
Implementing digital tools can streamline administrative tasks and free up healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care. This move is essential for a modern healthcare system.
Background on H+
H+ Die Spitäler der Schweiz is the national association of Swiss hospitals, clinics, and care institutions. It represents the interests of its members and advocates for a high-quality, efficient, and sustainable healthcare system in Switzerland.
Calls for Political Action and Funding
To implement these transformations, H+ is calling for specific political and financial measures. These measures are crucial for supporting the necessary changes.
The association demands cost-covering tariffs. This ensures that hospitals receive adequate compensation for the services they provide. It is a fundamental requirement for financial stability.
Reliable funding for innovation, digital services, and the expansion of outpatient care is also essential. This requires a clear financial responsibility from the parliament.
- Ensure cost-covering tariffs for all medical services.
- Provide consistent funding for technological innovation.
- Support the expansion of outpatient treatment options.
- Establish a modern care planning framework for national quality and security.
Addressing the Skilled Worker Shortage
The shortage of skilled professionals remains a critical concern. H+ emphasizes the need for a clear national strategy to secure the future healthcare workforce.
This strategy should include modern education and training models. It also needs to promote new professional roles and flexible working arrangements. These steps can make healthcare careers more attractive and sustainable.
Key Challenge
The growing scarcity of skilled healthcare workers is one of the most pressing issues threatening the stability of the Swiss hospital system.
Prioritizing Quality and Patient Safety
H+ insists that quality and patient safety must take priority over short-term savings goals. Any new regulations should demonstrate a clear patient benefit.
Conversely, non-safety-relevant regulations should be eliminated to reduce administrative burdens. This approach ensures that resources are directed where they matter most.
The digital transformation is a national task for the future. It promises to increase quality, efficiency, and patient safety while also easing the burden on staff. A national digital initiative and mandatory use of central digital solutions are necessary to achieve this.