More than half of healthcare professionals have difficulty dealing with financial issues

A majority of healthcare professionals in Portugal's National Health Service struggle with financial issues, according to the latest Barometer of Care Integration. The study, involving 2,676 professionals, found that over 52% reported not knowing how to address financing questions. The overall integration score remained unchanged at 3.29, indicating a need for improved coordination and information sharing. The normative dimension scored highest at 3.97, while financial integration was the weakest at 2.90. Older healthcare units showed a more positive perception of care integration compared to newer ones. Regional differences were noted, with Alentejo having the best perception and Algarve the lowest. The study highlights ongoing challenges in translating structural conditions into effective integration practices.