Features of Preparing Patients for Medical and Social Disability Examinations at Moscow Polyclinics

Background. As the life expectancy of citizens increases, non-communicable diseases accumulate, accompanying by persistent functional disorders. The result is a growing number of citizens referred for a medical and social disability examination (MSDE) and, therefore, an expanding workload of primary healthcare organizations in preparing patients for MSDE. In this regard, it is relevant to assess the activities of healthcare organizations in preparing patients for MSDE. Objective. To estimate the volume of care provided to patients during the preparation for MSDE at Moscow polyclinics. Materials and methods. The authors analyzed the electronic health records of outpatients (471 individuals) referred for MSDE, the register of outpatients referred for MSDE, and the results of an interview survey (43 physicians and 123 patients) using analytical and sociological methods. Results. The survey confirmed that the routing of patients preparing for MSDE is characterized by a complex procedure. The average duration of preparation for MSDE was two months, compared to the established deadline of 30 days. Conclusion. The process of preparing citizens for MSDE includes redundant and duplicated doctor’s visits, tests, and examinations. Possible solutions are extending the established deadlines in the regulations, transferring some functions from doctors to nursing staff when referring patients to MSDE, and implementing electronic document management between organizations. These measures have the potential to reduce the number of visits and examinations, shorten the waiting time for care, and increase long-term patient satisfaction.

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