Sweden faces challenges in primary care continuity and doctor recruitment

A new SNS report highlights significant difficulties in maintaining continuity within Sweden's primary healthcare system. Despite the state investing 38 billion SEK since 2019 to transform primary care into a central healthcare hub, progress remains slow. While 66 percent of residents are registered with a specific doctor, only 30 percent report actually experiencing continuity with a consistent physician. Researchers suggest that high turnover rates among doctors are a primary obstacle, noting that mere registration does not guarantee patient-doctor stability.

In response to staffing shortages and the high costs associated with hiring temporary agency doctors, some local health centers are adopting unconventional recruitment methods. For instance, the health center in Mörlunda has issued job advertisements in German to attract specialists from Germany, aiming to reduce reliance on expensive locum staff and build a permanent workforce.