Quality management of balneotherapeutical services The Hungarian experience

Journal/Book: XXIe Congrès international de Thalassothérapie Hammamet (Tunisie) 30 janvier-2 février 2000 S. 94. 2000;

Abstract: L. HODINKA National Institute of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy Budapest Hungary Although Hungary used to possess seashores in historical times only there is also nowadays a hidden "sea" under the soil. This national treasure is a considerable amount of water resource which is because of the geological location and the geothermal gradient an easily accessible thermal mineral water. It is utilized for human agricultural and horticultural purposes under the influence of the Roman and Ottoman Empires on the Hungarian culture. Legislatory regulation on the medical and recreational application of geothermal waters is a tradition since the 18th century when the first spa supervisor doctors had been appointed by the Austrian and Hungarian Empress Queen Maria Theresia. Hungarian balneotherapeutical experience has been aknowledged by international rheumatological and spa organizations in the twenties of this century. Recently the existing regulations of balneotherapeutical services are infiltrated in a growing extent by the current principles of quality management. The main objective is to establish and realize the "quality cycle" by definition of standards targets gudelines and indicators by process evaluation of indicators and by inducing change and improvement. The principles of quality of care advised to adapt for balneotherapy are best summarized in the Declarations of Principles and Position Statements approved by the 13th General Meeting of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy in 1995. In the Declarations quality care is defined as optimal care at a reasonable cost balancing client organisational and professional considerations. In order to obtain the level of optimal care there is a need for validation of practice techniques and technology and monitoring efficiency effectiveness safety and client satisfaction. The Hungarian experience in attestation and quality management is detailed in the matrix of the following areas : Institutional (spas and spa resorts medical and commercial providers) Services (definitions technology standards) Education and training and the following levels and domains: Legislatory (regulations) Public Health Autorities (hygiene) Health Science (medical effectiveness) Health Insurance (cost-effectiveness) Corporational (organizations of providers and professionals). wt

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