The introduction of screening and preventive counseling (SPC) of persons at risk of harmful alcohol consumption in medical organizations of primary health care (PHC) of domestic health care is handled by regulatory departmental documents including clinical examination and preventive medical examinations but in practice, it encounters a number of obstacles. In this regard, it is important to assess the significance of this area and propose elimination measures. The most suitable method for solving such problems is SWOT analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the potential of PHC organizations to introduce the technology for screening people at risk of harmful use of alcohol and preventive counseling based on the results of SWOT analysis.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
An online survey of experts from 85 regions of Russia was conducted. The questionnaire contained 25 statements that formed the basis for the SWOT analysis. The SWOT analysis was carried out in 3 stages: all statements from the questionnaire were divided into strengths (S) and weaknesses (W) of medical organizations, opportunities (O) and threats of the external environment (T); further, the relative importance of the factors was assessed; during the third stage the connections were established between various elements of the internal and external environment.
RESULTS
The most significant for the introduction of SPC in medical organizations were the opportunities provided by the external environment (the need to include SPC in the compulsory health insurance program and the expansion of the role of nurses in the SPC procedure). Of the 7 factors that characterize the strengths of medical organizations the most important factors are the provision of additional funding, the automation of the clinical examination process, the availability of information resources for specialists. Of the 6 factors characterizing the weaknesses of medical organizations the most significant are the lack of personnel, as well as the lack of clear algorithms for the implementation of SPC technology. External threats include the lack of SPC funding; lack of SPC in the program of state guarantees of free medical care; lack of time for medical professionals to conduct an SPC.
CONCLUSION
Based on the expert assessment and SWOT analysis the main strategic decisions in this area were formed for decision-makers at the federal and regional levels.
