ejournals

Author

Fearing the disease and fearing the vaccine – what drives choices concerning influenza and COVID-19 immunization in Poland

Igor Szymański

Art of Healing, Volume 39 Issue 1, Volume 39 (2024), pp. 13-24

https://doi.org/10.4467/18982026SZL.24.001.19764

Vaccination is one of the greatest healthcare achievements and one the most important scientific developments of the human civilization. Epidemiological status and population’s attitude towards vaccination has been evolving rapidly in recent years. The main goal of this article is to assess and compare people’s approach towards influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, in addition to identifying the most prevalent information sources concerning both the former and the latter. As a research method, data obtained from 150 online surveys submitted by respondents were analysed. The results suggest connection between COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations. The study was designed to provide a better understanding of public attitudes in favour as well as against the vaccinations. The results obtained regarding the public views on influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations can be pointed out as an additional value derived from the research.

PDF

Author

Countering the potential of services abuse in Polish health care system – analysis and implications of moral hazard

Igor Szymański

Public Health and Governance, Volume 22, Issue 1, 2024, pp. 14-19

https://doi.org/10.4467/20842627OZ.24.004.21286

Health insurance is connected with occurrence of moral hazard, where insured individuals may overuse healthcare services due to reduced personal cost concerns. Although the Polish Constitution guarantees equal access to publicly funded healthcare services, overuse of medical services – driven either by patient or provider – is prevalent. Unnecessary visits, tests, and treatments cause financial burdens and depletion of healthcare resources. Limited access to medical services results in longer wait times, creating a risk to the health of the patients. Forcing proper allocation of resources on the basis of strict medical indications may have a positive impact on the healthcare efficiency in the context of rising demand. Encouraging development of strategies, like wide application of threshold scales, in order to counter overuse of medical services, promotes a proper use of resources. Coordinating efforts between public and private healthcare sectors can improve overall service delivery. Reducing the issue of moral hazard can improve the effectiveness of health insurance and promote better healthcare utilization.

PDF

Author

Recenzja książki Andrzeja Szczeklika Nieśmiertelność. Prometejski sen medycyny (Znak, Kraków 2012, 176 s., ISBN 978-83-240-2235-9)

Igor Szymański

Art of Healing, Volume 39 Issue 1, Volume 39 (2024), pp. 103-104

https://doi.org/10.4467/18982026SZL.24.007.19770

PDF

Author

Recenzja książki Vincenta M. Figueredo Historia ludzkiego serca. Fascynująca wędrówka po świecie medycyny i sztuki (przeł. Ewa Ratajczak, Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN SA, Warszawa 2024, 269 s., ISBN 978-83-01-23481-2)

Igor Szymański