The decrease was greatest in somatic care, i.e. specialized care for physical ailments, and in psychiatry. Spending there fell by 24 and 23 percent, respectively, according to the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SKR).
The costs of hired nurses fell the most, by 36 percent, compared with hired doctors, whose costs fell by 12 percent.
Region Skåne leads the way in cost reductions with a decrease of 61 percent, followed by Östergötland with a decrease of 52 percent and Västmanland with a decrease of 49 percent. In some regions, costs increased by 2 and 9 percent, respectively, in Örebro and Västra Götaland.
