1. General Practice in Latvia
Anete Petraite
3rd year GP trainee
LATVIA
Photo : Aldis Kursitis
Rural teritory Kombuli, Latvia

2. General practices in Latvia TODAY
GPs are the cornerstone of Latvian medical system. From 1993, when Family medicine was founded,amount of GPs has increased from 49 to 1190 GPs.
In rural territories works 787 GPs or 57.52% of all GPs in Latvia.152 of them have 2 or more practice places(11.11%)*
In rural teritorries GPs are often only place where you can get medical help.
*The National Health Service
Kaltene’s beach
Latvia

3. Main notes about GP’s structure in Latvia
Fishing boats
Engure,Latvia

4. River Gauja, Sigulda,Latvia

5. GPs IN LATVIA ARE CARED FOR PATIENTS OF ALL AGES
Photo: G.Pavils Kjurmrags, Vidzeme’s beach,Lavia

6. Medieval Castle,Cēsis
Latvia

7. Kolkas rags,
farest Northern point of Kurzeme,
Latvia

8. FUNDING
Photo: Garden of destinies , Koknese
Latvia.Photo:abfoto.lv

9. Photo: Ikšķile, Latvia
 How to articulate with other healthcare professionals in primary care setting?
GP can send a patient to:
Specialist for a consultation
Radiologic examination
Laboratoric examination
Functional examination
Physical medicine procedures

10. Where do hospital specialists work?
In hospital ambulatory part
In hospital
In private practice
As a consultant in care centre
Photo: Nature, Latvia

11. Do patientes have to go to GP first?
Yes!
And then GP can organize the next steps for patient to recover faster
But patient can go staight to the emergency or first aid office (if it is an emergency situation
Photo: Nature,rural
territory,Latvia

12. Direct access to specialists in Latvia are:
Gynaecologist
Ophthalmologist
Psychiatrist
In some cases also a dermatologist and surgeon are direct access specialists

13. Collaboration with secondary care:
The problem is state funding. There is limited resources for health care and that is why often patients need to wait a long time (from weeks to months) , before they can get a consultation with a specialist or examinations
Specialist after consultation give’s a conclusion and patient after that gives it to a GP

14. Is there a national electronic program?
Right now there is a preparation process for electronic program, which will start to work at the 1 of january next year
This project is sponsored by the European Union and there is a plan that GP will be able to make a e-prescription and e-sick-list
Many GP already use IT, but they are not connected yet

15. In conclusion....
Family doctor in Latvia is like a Swiss pocket knife:
Multifuncional
Designed for everyday use
Always at your fingertips
Adapts to situation
Activities are limited ( co-work with specialists)
Tough,unique and irreplaceable
Photo:Venspils, Latvia

16. Thank You for your attention!