Organization, present problems and efficiency of West European health care systems.

In this mainly descriptive chapter an overview is given of general trends in health and heath care developments in five countries: Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. The chapter is divided into 4 sections: 1: health (care) needs and demands: the health profile of the population. 2: Supply of health care: institutions and professions. 3: health care financing. 4. Legislation and regulation. (aut. ref.