| Abstract [eng] |
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer and the third most common cancer-related death in Lithuania. In Lithuania, the 5-year survival rate of patients with colon cancer is one of the lowest in Europe. In Lithuania, the colorectal cancer screening program is implemented by contacting a family doctor, and by performing a fecal occult blood test every two years for men and women aged 50–74 (inclusive). If the result is negative, the patient is considered healthy, and if the result is positive, a colonoscopy is performed and, if necessary, a biopsy is taken, or treatment is performed (removal of polyps or other formations), which objectively confirms or refutes the diagnosis of CRC. The pilot screening program was launched in Vilnius and Kaunas counties in 2009. To date, no study has been conducted examining the effectiveness of the program or comparing its effectiveness between different counties. The aim of the work is to assess the effectiveness of the program implemented in different territories of Lithuania and compare it with each other using the data envelopemnt analysis method. The data of five territorial health insurance funds (TIF) (Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Siauliai and Panevezys) were compared: the number of institutions participating in the screening program, the funding received, the number of target group individuals, the number of people screened and the identified cancer cases. It was determined that of the 5 analyzed TIFs, Vilnius TIF is the most effective. The efficiency indicator of Kaunas TIF is in second place. The efficiency assessment indicators of the territories of Panevezys and Klaipeda TIF are similar. Meanwhile, the worst indicators were determined for Siauliai TIF. |
