Krisztina Horváth
58543219700
Publications - 2
Cooperation between the health visitor and the physician as one of the pillars of the 108-year-old Hungarian Health Visitor Service
Publication Name: Orvosi Hetilap
Publication Date: 2023-08-20
Volume: 164
Issue: 33
Page Range: 1311-1318
Description:
Introduction: Despite the more than 100-year history of the Hungarian Health Visitor Service, no study has yet been carried out that looked back at the cooperation between health visitors and physicians. Objective: Our aim was 1) to explore the professional advances of the health visitor service and the cooperation between health visitor and physician by examining historical documents, legal and professional regulations governing the work of health visitor, furthermore, 2) to investigate whether there are compulsory training elements in today's training for health visitors that prepare students for health visitor and physician collaboration, moreover, 3) to search for old tools and documents used by health visitors and doctors in the North-West of Transdanubia. Method: A literature search was carried out to identify documents relating to the development of the work of health visitors, the cooperation between health visitors and physicians, past and current legal and professional regulations, the current regulation on training of health visitors. Through field research, we tracked down old tools and documents of health visitors and physicians. Results: The establishment of the Hungarian Health Visitor Service is associated with the names of professors of medicine. The historical documents and regulations testify the development of the work of the health visitor, the expansion of her competences and the importance of the health visitor and physician cooperation. The training competences required for the cooperation between health visitors and physicians, health visitors and specialists are regulated by the regulation on training of health visitors. We have found many old objects and documents used in the work of the health visitor and doctor. Discussion: The documents that have preserved almost invariably describe the health visitor as a person working alongside the physician, in cooperation with the physician. Nowadays, the regulation of cooperation covers for all specialties in the field of health visitor. Conclusion: Based on our research, it is fair to say that the health visitor-physician cooperation is an important pillar of the 108-year-old Hungarian Health Visitor Service.
Open Access: Yes
The historical development of Hungarian school health services, the cooperation of school doctors and health visitors, and today’s challenges
Publication Name: Orvosi Hetilap
Publication Date: 2026-05-01
Volume: 167
Issue: 19
Page Range: 753-764
Description:
Introduction: Despite the fact that Hungarian school healthcare has a history dating back 140 years, no comprehensive study has yet been conducted to analyze the historical development and impact of system, particularly the institutionalization of the role of health visitors in educational institutions and the development of cooperation between school doctors and health visitors. Objective: 1) To explore the historical development of school health services and the takes of school doctors, 2) to analyze the involvement and role of public health visitors in school healthcare, 3) to examine the role of cooperating professionals (doctors, public health visitors, and other professionals present today), 4) to explore the challenges that determine current operations. Method: We studied the relevant legislation, professional regulations, and literature through research, and carried out systematic and analytical work. Results: The role of school doctors shifted from monitoring and epidemic control to preventive care and health promotion tasks. The development of school healthcare is linked to the name of József Fodor, who laid the foundations for the regular health monitoring of school-age children by introducing a public health approach. Health visitors gradually became involved in healthcare within the legal framework, and their role became increasingly important in the areas of prevention, care, and health education. Discussion: Health visitors initially appeared as professionals supporting the work of doctors. Today, this cooperation extends to all areas of health visitors’ professional activities and plays a fundamental role in the effective functioning of school healthcare. Conclusion: The cooperation between school doctors and public health visitors is one of the cornerstones of Hungarian school healthcare and plays a key role in maintaining children’s health, prevention, and health promotion. Orv Hetil. 2026; 167(19): 753–764.
Open Access: Yes