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Keywords

Health services, Social services, Demographics, European Union

Abstract

Despite differences in political approaches and institutional frameworks, health and social services in all European Union (EU) Member States face similar challenges, notably the need to adjust to demographic ageing and to changing employment and family patterns. This article takes a closer look at some of those issues (drivers) that are likely to have significant implications for the future of the sector. On this basis, three diverging "integrated visions" for health and social services are presented. The first vision is a "best guesstimate" and assumes that current developmental targets, for example, on reducing cardiovascular disease, are generally met. The second vision is a "problem-plagued" view of health and social services, where targets are missed and the current level of service generally stays the same or deteriorates. Finally, the third vision presents a more "visionary" picture of health and social services where services are largely transformed from what is known today. All "integrated visions" have been constructed from existing health-care scenarios as well as the drivers identified earlier. The paper is rounded off with an account of some of the policy measures being implemented by the European Commission and Member States in addressing several of the areas highlighted as important for the future of the sector.

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Introduction

Health and social services are set to become increasingly important commodities as European society grows older. But a growing demand for services that are provided in many Member States by the public sector is creating unprecedented pressures on health and social care systems. Indeed, in response to these pressures, systems seem to be in a perpetual state of reform and upheaval, thereby creating a sense of uncertainty and even crisis. At issue is the increasing level of resources devoured by health and social care systems year on year. Moreover, the prospect of social and demographic changes anticipated over the coming 20 years leaves many in despair as to how existing systems will cope.

Beginning with a brief overview of the European healthcare sector, this article goes on to examine some of the...

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