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BMC Health Services Research
Published in: BMC Health Services Research 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Research

Temporal and geographical variations in diagnostic imaging in Norway

Authors: Bjørn Morten Hofmann, Ingrid Øfsti Brandsaeter, Eivind Richter Andersen, Jan Porthun, Elin Kjelle

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Unwarranted temporal and geographical variations are acknowledged as a profound problem for equal access and justice in the provision of health services. Even more, they challenge the quality, safety, and efficiency of such services. This is highly relevant for imaging services.

Objective

To analyse the temporal and geographical variation in the number of diagnostic images in Norway from 2013 to 2021.

Methods

Data on outpatient imaging provided by the Norwegian Health Economics Administration (HELFO) and inpatient data afforded by fourteen hospital trusts and hospitals in Norway. Data include the total number of imaging examinations according to the Norwegian Classification of Radiological Procedures (NCRP). Analyses were performed with descriptive statistics.

Results

More than 37 million examinations were performed in Norway during 2013–2021 giving an average of 4.2 million examinations per year. In 2021 there was performed and average of 0.8 examinations per person and 2.2 examinations per person for the age group > 80. There was a 9% increase in the total number of examinations from 2013 to 2015 and a small and stable decrease of 0.5% per year from 2015 to 2021 (with the exception of 2020 due to the pandemic). On average 71% of all examinations were outpatient examinations and 32% were conducted at private imaging centres. There were substantial variations between the health regions, with Region South-East having 53.1% more examinations per inhabitant than Region West. The geographical variation was even more outspoken when comparing catchment areas, where Oslo University Hospital Trust had twice as many examinations per inhabitant than Finnmark Hospital Trust.

Conclusion

As the population in Norway is homogeneous it is difficult to attribute the variations to socio-economic or demographic factors. Unwarranted and supply-sensitive variations are challenging for healthcare systems where equal access and justice traditionally are core values.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Temporal and geographical variations in diagnostic imaging in Norway
Authors
Bjørn Morten Hofmann
Ingrid Øfsti Brandsaeter
Eivind Richter Andersen
Jan Porthun
Elin Kjelle
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-10869-5

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