The Albacete Integrated care Management’s Preventive Medicine Service reported a meaningful decline in consultations in 2024, with nearly 5,000 cases handled, marking an 8.5% drop from the previous year.Dr. Jesús García Guerrero attributed this decrease to a lack of extraordinary activities and insufficient human resources, which forced many high-risk patients and travelers to seek vaccinations elsewhere.In 2023, the service experienced a 26.6% increase in demand, with over 5,400 consultations. The current backlog has led to appointment wait times extending to April, raising concerns about the quality of care for vulnerable populations, including immunocompromised individuals.In 2024, the Preventive Medicine Service at Hospital Perpetuo Socorro administered a total of 7,316 vaccines, reflecting a slight decline from the previous year. Among these, 1,219 were specifically for travelers heading to exotic destinations, marking a 5.8% increase in travel-related vaccinations compared to 2023. The most common vaccine for travelers was for hepatitis A,with 396 doses given to adults and 50 to children. Additionally, 6,097 doses were provided to at-risk groups, with herpes zoster and hepatitis B vaccines being the most prevalent. Despite the high demand for vaccinations,approximately 80% of requests remain unmet due to staffing shortages,leading to referrals to other vaccination centers,even outside the region.
An in-Depth Discussion on the Decline of Preventive Care: A Q&A with dr. Jesús García Guerrero
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Dr. García Guerrero. Recent reports indicate a critically important decline in consultations at the Albacete integrated Care Management’s Preventive Medicine Service in 2024. Can you outline the main factors contributing to this 8.5% drop?
Dr. García Guerrero: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. This decline is primarily attributed to a lack of extraordinary activities and severe staffing shortages. We have seen high-risk patients and travelers needing vaccinations forced to seek care elsewhere due to our inability to accommodate them. This lack of access is concerning, particularly given the increasing demand for preventive services in previous years.
Editor: it’s engaging to note that 2023 saw a 26.6% increase in demand with over 5,400 consultations. What do you think contributed to this surge before the decline?
Dr. García Guerrero: The rise in demand can be attributed to heightened public awareness about the importance of vaccinations and preventive care,largely in response to ongoing global health discussions. The previous year saw more initiatives promoting immunization, which understandably led to increased patient engagement and consultations.
Editor: With wait times for appointments now extending to April, what are the implications for vulnerable populations, especially for those who are immunocompromised?
Dr. García Guerrero: The implications are quite serious. Extended wait times can jeopardize the health of vulnerable groups who rely heavily on timely vaccinations. As a notable example, individuals with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk for preventable diseases, and delays in immunization can lead to outbreaks and increased healthcare costs down the line.
Editor: You mentioned that in 2024, the preventive Medicine Service administered a total of 7,316 vaccines. Can you elaborate on the types of vaccines provided and the sectors they served?
Dr. García Guerrero: Certainly! among the 7,316 vaccines administered, we provided 1,219 specifically for travelers heading to exotic destinations, which is a 5.8% increase from the previous year. The hepatitis A vaccine was the most common for travelers. Additionally, we provided vaccines to at-risk groups, with herpes zoster and hepatitis B being the most prevalent. Notably, despite the high demand, about 80% of vaccine requests went unmet due to staffing constraints, prompting many referrals to external vaccination centers.
Editor: What measures do you believe need to be taken to address these staffing shortages and enhance access to preventive care?
Dr. García Guerrero: addressing staffing shortages requires strategic planning, including recruiting more healthcare professionals, increasing funding for preventive services, and enhancing training programs. It is indeed essential to create a working habitat that attracts talent while also ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet the growing healthcare needs of the population.
Editor: Given the decline in consultations and the backlog,what practical advice can you offer to individuals who are concerned about their preventive healthcare needs?
Dr. García Guerrero: I encourage individuals to proactively seek out vaccinations. While our center might have a backlog, community resources, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers may still have capacity. Additionally, staying informed about vaccination schedules and prioritizing appointments can help ensure timely access to necessary preventive care.Lastly, advocating for more resources and support in our healthcare systems is vital.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. García Guerrero. It’s clear that addressing these challenges will require collaboration across various sectors of healthcare.
Dr. García Guerrero: Thank you for discussing these critical issues. It’s imperative that we prioritize preventive care to safeguard the health of our communities.
This conversation highlights the growing challenges in preventive medicine services and underscores the need for effective solutions to enhance public health outcomes.