On Monday 3 March 2025, Luxembourg’s Institute of Health (LIH) released details of a recent survey, published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), on healthcare in Luxembourg.
In a press release, the LIH stated that an international survey, based on the Patient-Reported Indicator Surveys (PaRIS), gathered the perspectives of over 107,000 people aged 45 and over, in 1,800 medical practices across nineteen countries. The OECD study therefore enabled an international comparison of patients' experience of care and their perception of health outcomes. It also analysed how healthcare systems respond to the needs of people with chronic diseases.
The LIH reported that it was commissioned by the Health Directorate (Direction de la Santé) to conduct the PaRIS survey in Luxembourg. It collected responses from 1,590 patients on their health, their care experience and their socio-demographic characteristics. Data was also collected from 52 medical practices throughout Luxembourg.
The LIH added that the results showed that 72% of respondents reported good physical health and 86% reported good mental health. These figures are slightly higher than the OECD international average (70% and 83% respectively). The Luxembourg healthcare system was also reported to stand out for its perceived quality of care and patient-centred approach. 93% of respondents rated the quality of care as satisfactory and 91% felt that care was adapted to their needs, exceeding the OECD averages of 87% and 85% respectively. Confidence in the healthcare system was reported to be relatively high, with 66% of people in Luxembourg expressing trust in the system, against an OECD average of 62%.
However, the study reported that only 56% of respondents felt able to manage their own health, below the OECD average of 59%. Finding and understanding digital health information emerged as a concern, with only 11% of patients in Luxembourg feeling confident in their ability to understand and use health information from digital sources. This rate is below the already low OECD average of 19%.
Another major challenge highlighted in the report was the lack of healthcare coordination for patients with chronic illnesses, which can interrupt care continuity. Only 18% of patients in Luxembourg are cared for in practices that can exchange medical records electronically, a figure well below the OECD international average of 57%. Furthermore, only 18% of patients with two or more chronic conditions are cared for in practices where non-physician healthcare professionals play a role in chronic disease management, compared with the OECD average of 83%.
The LIH added that the study highlighted the need for improvement in terms of digital health culture and the adoption of electronic medical record systems in primary care. Nevertheless, the Luxembourg healthcare system is reported to offer high-quality care to the majority of patients in several key areas but must continue to develop person-centred care and greater patient involvement. In conclusion, the LIH stated that where healthcare systems are evolving on a global scale, the integration of patient perspectives is essential for adapting policies and practices.
HOM
