ANALYSIS OF STAFFING OF THE MEDICAL AND GENETIC SERVICE IN UKRAINE
Authors: Turova Liudmyla O. , Vezhnovets Tetiana A. 
Published: September 2024

Aim. To study the staffing conditions of the medical-genetic service in Ukraine during the period from 2008 to 2022 and to forecast the staffing dynamics until 2026.
Materials and Methods: Statistical data from healthcare institutions in Ukraine that provided medical-genetic services during the period from 2008 to 2022 were analyzed, based on reporting forms 21, 17, 49 from the City Health Center website http://medstat.gov.ua/ukr/statdan.html and http://medstat.gov.ua/ukr/statdanMMXIX.html. Single-factor linear regression models were applied for mathematical modeling, with quality assessment conducted using the coefficient of determination R². Calculations were performed using MedCalc® Statistical Software (v.22.009).
Results: Compared to 2008, there was a significant reduction in the number of full-time positions of heads of offices (genetic doctors), genetic doctors, and genetic laboratory doctors in Ukraine in 2022 by -45.24%, -24.83%, and -23.39%, respectively. A significant decrease in the number of these positions was determined (p<0.05). In 2022, compared to 2008, there was also a decrease in the staffing rate of all full-time positions with occupied positions of the personnel of centers/offices. Specifically, for genetic doctors, the staffing rate in 2022 was 69.62% compared to 85.37% in 2008, and for genetic laboratory doctors, it was 57.54% compared to 94.62% in 2022 and 2008, respectively. The level of provision of geneticists (individuals) in Ukraine in 2022 was 1.99 per 1 million population, which is -16.03% less than in 2008. Furthermore, compared to 2008, the share of vacant positions for genetic doctors in 2022 increased 2-fold, and for genetic laboratory doctors almost 8-fold. According to the results of mathematical forecasting, in 2026, a further decrease in the availability of genetic doctors to the level of 1.77 per 1 million population is predicted (R²=0.88, p<0.001).
Results. Compared to 2008, there was a significant reduction in the number of full-time positions of heads of offices (genetic doctors), genetic doctors, and genetic laboratory doctors in Ukraine in 2022 by -45.24%, -24.83%, and -23.39%, respectively. A significant decrease in the number of these positions was determined (p<0.05). In 2022, compared to 2008, there was also a decrease in the staffing rate of all full-time positions with occupied positions of the personnel of centers/offices. Specifically, for genetic doctors, the staffing rate in 2022 was 69.62% compared to 85.37% in 2008, and for genetic laboratory doctors, it was 57.54% compared to 94.62% in 2022 and 2008, respectively.
Furthermore, in comparison with 2008, the share of vacant positions for genetic doctors in 2022 increased in 2-fold, and for genetic laboratory doctors almost in 8-fold. According to the results of mathematical forecasting, in 2026, a further decrease in the availability of genetic doctors to the level of 1.77 per 1 million population is predicted (R²=0.88, p<0.001).
Conclusions. Based on the analysis of staffing of the medical-genetic service in Ukraine during the period 2008-2022, conclusions can be drawn about the reduction in the number of full-time positions and the availability of genetic doctors in the medical-genetic service in Ukraine. To ensure proper medical-genetic counseling for the population, it is necessary to develop an effective strategy for improving the organization of the medical-genetic service, capable of providing comprehensive support for patients with genetic pathologies.