An analysis of post-accident care systems in five European countries revealed various approaches, strengths, and weaknesses. The Czech Republic could draw inspiration from the integration of services, centralization, support for nonprofit organizations, and improved coordination.
An important step in the exploratory phase of our project was the analysis of foreign post-accident care systems. Our aim was to gain a detailed understanding of the various approaches and their limitations, while also identifying effective elements that could serve as inspiration for improving the domestic system. To this end, a semi-structured questionnaire was developed, and representatives of organizations providing assistance following traffic accidents were selected from ten European countries (members of the international organization European Federation of Road Traffic Victims). A total of five organizations from Slovenia, Spain, Germany, Poland, and Luxembourg agreed to participate in online interviews.
Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, the post-trauma care system is relatively centralized and state-supported. During the acute phase, care is provided by the CGDIS fire and rescue service, while psychological assistance is provided by the GSP unit. In the follow-up phase, victims have access to services at hospitals and rehabilitation centers, including psychological support. A key element of long-term care is the non-profit organization AVR, which is state-funded and offers legal, psychological, and social counseling. AVR organizes support groups, lectures, and educational outreach. A strength of the system is the integration of services and a multilingual approach. Weaknesses include staff shortages, long waiting times, and potential conflicts of interest in a small community.
Germany
The German system is influenced by the federal structure and regional differences. In the acute phase, professional emergency services operate, supplemented by psychosocial crisis intervention teams (KIT), pastoral care services, and other support teams. However, these services are not equally available in all regions. Short- and medium-term care is provided by trauma centers, whose quality is guaranteed by certification. An important tool is the website Hilfefinder.de, which offers information, contacts, and self-screening. Nevertheless, the psychosocial component is not a priority, and there is no automatic involvement of these teams in accidents. There is no central coordination or stable funding for these services.
Slovenia
Slovenia has a high-quality public healthcare system and a well-organized primary care system. Long waiting times for specialized psychological care remain a problem. The nonprofit organization Zavod Varna Pot plays a significant role, offering free psychological counseling and support. An important element is cooperation with churches, the police, and healthcare institutions. The organization utilizes networking and a community-based approach and trains so-called ambassadors—people with personal experience. There is no national website, but the organization actively uses social media and other platforms. A network of collaborating experts and cross-sectoral activities ensures good access to information and support.
Spain (Catalonia)
Catalonia has a more advanced system compared to the rest of Spain. A psychologist has been part of the response team since 2018, which is enshrined in law. There is also a proactive call center that contacts victims and offers free counseling. Victims are entitled to 12 psychological sessions per year, funded by public resources. Strong non-profit organizations (PAT-apat, STOP Accidentes) provide both individual and group support. Strengths include an integrated approach and cross-sectoral collaboration. Weaknesses include uneven service coverage in less populated areas and a limited number of specialists.
Poland
The Polish system is not systematically organized and suffers from significant shortcomings in the availability of free care. Access to specialists is limited, and waiting times can be as long as 2 years. Most victims use paid services or assistance from non-profit organizations. An exception is a pilot project by the organization Przejście, which offers free psychological assistance under a contract with the National Health Fund. There is no unified website or coordination of services, only a list of organizations in Excel format. Coordination between ministries, stable funding, and the creation of regional centers are key to improving the system. Networking with local initiatives is currently limited but shows potential for development.
Read more about the goals of the Post-Accident Care project here.