Latvia: Health System Review.

This analysis of the Latvian health system reviews recent developments in organization and governance, health financing, health care provision, health reforms and health system performance. After regaining independence in 1991, Latvia experimented with a social health insurance type system. However, to overcome decentralization and fragmentation of the system, the National Health Service (NHS) was established in 2011 with universal population coverage.

Prescription of antibiotics in Riga and Vilnius tertiary children's hospitals.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the use of antibiotics among hospitalised children in Riga (Latvia) and in Vilnius (Lithuania) at two tertiary paediatric centres.

Methods: A point prevalence survey (PPS) was conducted using validated and standardised Antibiotic Resistance and Prescribing in European Children (ARPEC) project methodology during November 2012. All inpatients less than 18 years old were included in the study.

A retrospective and observational analysis of harmful excipients in medicines for hospitalised neonates in Latvia.

Background: Medicines used in neonates contain different excipients, which may not be safe in this age group.

Objective: To analyse the frequency at which hospitalised neonates are exposed to harmful excipients (HEs) and to identify substitution possibilities for medicines containing HEs.

Materials And Methods: Retrospective, observational study at a university paediatric hospital from 1 September 2015 till 29 February 2016.

Observational Study of Antibiotic Usage at the Children's Clinical University Hospital in Riga, Latvia.

Many pediatric patients have been treated with antibiotics during their hospitalization. There is a need to improve antibiotic prescribing for pediatric patients because many of these prescriptions are inappropriate. Antibiotic consumption analysis was conducted at the Children's Clinical University Hospital to identify targets for quality improvement.

Analysis of antibiotic surgical prophylaxis in hospitalized children suffering upper and lower extremity injuries.

Background: Surgical prophylaxis may account for one-third of all antibiotic use in paediatric hospitals.

Objective: To evaluate the appropriateness of surgical prophylaxis and to analyse adherence of surgeons to surgical prophylaxis guidelines.

Method: Retrospective study at a university paediatric hospital.