OBJECTIVE

To analyze foreign experience in determining the need for medical care financing based on regional demographic, epidemiological and geographical features.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We have analyzed literature data on foreign experience in determining the need for medical care financing based on regional demographic, epidemiological and geographical features.

RESULTS

The experience of determining the need for medical care financing in Great Britain (England, Scotland), Canada, New Zealand and Sweden was considered. There are certain differences in the methods of allocating health care resources in these countries. The general approach includes analysis of the need for fundation based on population of certain region (subject) and the number of correction factors. The last ones can be divided into factors (corrections) affecting the need for medical care and factors of unmet need. Demographic characteristics and disease status are the factors determining the need for medical care. Demographic characteristics (age and gender) are used to determine the expected cost per person by sex and age group in all countries. However, the number of age groups allocated is different. The need for health care is usually uneven for various age and gender. In particular, young (under 25 years old) and elder people are characterized by higher need for health care compared to other ages. Unmet need for health care is most often assessed by epidemiological markers, and standardized mortality rate is one of the most popular indicators.

CONCLUSION

There are various methods of planning medical care. The common characteristic of all methods is the use of demographic, epidemiological and geographical indicators affecting the fairness of healthcare resource distribution.