Published 17 November 2008, doi:10.1136/bmj.a2614
Cite this as: BMJ 2008;337:a2614

News

Netherlands tops healthcare table that focuses on patients’ perspective

Rory Watson

1 Brussels

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

The Netherlands has Europe’s best healthcare system, concludes the latest Euro Health Consumer Index, which is based on indicators such as patients’ rights and waiting times.

Other strong performers were Denmark, Hungary, and Luxembourg, all three of which have made much progress since last year’s survey. The United Kingdom also improved, climbing four places into 13th position, while France, Cyprus, and Portugal fell sharply down the rankings.

The annual survey was launched in 2005 by Health Consumer Powerhouse, a private healthcare analysis and information provider registered in Sweden. Presenting the findings, Johan Hjertqvist, president of the organisation, pointed out that the Netherlands had been in the top three places in each of the past four years.

The rankings are based on public statistics from 31 countries on 34 quality indicators grouped in six categories: patient rights and information, e-health, waiting time for treatment, outcomes, the range and reach of services . . . [Full text of this article]


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