Portugal health study reveals vulnerable groups face care gaps

A study titled “Retrato da Saúde em Portugal no Pós-Pandemia: Perceções, acesso aos cuidados,” promoted by the Ordem dos Médicos, has identified three distinct population profiles regarding healthcare access and needs in Portugal.

The research, coordinated by Tiago Correia through the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine at Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, categorizes citizens into “Vulnerable,” “Episodic,” and “Integrated” groups. The “Vulnerable” group, comprising 48% of respondents, is characterized by a poorer perception of health, a higher disease burden, and greater difficulty maintaining continuous medical follow-up despite having the highest need for care. This group includes older individuals who rely on health services out of necessity but struggle to navigate the healthcare system.

The “Episodic” group represents 34% of participants, while the “Integrated” group makes up 18%. Those in the “Integrated” profile report intermediate perceived health, better access to services, regular use of care, strong continuity in follow-up, and superior preventive practices.