The Accessible Quality Healthcare (AQH) project has published a comprehensive study at the Frontiers in Public Health, which provides an in-depth look at the progress in the quality of care in primary healthcare (PHC) services in Kosovo over a seven-year period. The study captures how specific areas of infrastructure, clinical care, and patient experience have changed across the country’s PHC system from 2016 to 2023.
The study was designed by the team of researchers at the Swiss Tropical Public Health Institute and the University of Basel, while data was collected in collaboration with the National Public Health Institute of Kosova and the PHC services across municipalities.
One of the most notable findings from the study is the steady improvement in PHC infrastructure across Kosovo, which rose from an average of 56% in 2016 to 68% in 2023.
The study also found meaningful improvements in clinical care provided for chronic patients. Doctors’ adherence to treatment guidelines and protocols for NCDs, especially diabetes and hypertension, rose from 36% in 2016 to 60% in 2023. Infection control practices have also improved, although many facilities face multiple challenges.
According to the exit poll conducted in the study, patient satisfaction with healthcare services showed both improvements and challenges over the years. Despite this, the overall patient experience remained positive, with a higher ratio of very satisfied patients in 2023 compared to 2018.
The study also points out ongoing challenges that require attention, including municipal disparities in infrastructure, gaps in doctor-patient communication, and reduced availability of medicines. Areas for improvement include doctors’ explanations of medications and physical examination related to chronic diseases.
The authors note that Kosovo’s primary health care system has made measurable progress though systemic weaknesses and disparities across municipalities persist. They underscore the need for sustained investment, performance monitoring, and continuous provider training.
The findings reflect the long-term efforts and support provided by the AQH project, in close collaboration with primary healthcare providers and central institutions in Kosovo, aimed at improving the quality of primary healthcare, particularly the prevention and management of NCDs. While the results affirm progress, the authors emphasize that more work is needed to ensure equal quality across municipalities, improve communication in care, and guarantee consistent access to medicines.
The full study is available here.