Health care system navigation in Czechia: the role of health professionals, informal support and digital sources.

Abstract

The increasing complexity of health care systems places growing demands on patients when seeking care and using follow-up services. The aim of this study was to identify which persons, institutions and tools help people in the Czech Republic navigate the health care system, and to assess differences according to sociodemographic characteristics. The analysis is based on a representative omnibus survey conducted in November and December 2025 using standardized face-to-face interviews. The sample consisted of 1,805 respondents aged 15 years and older. Sources of help were analysed as multiple responses and grouped into the main categories of navigation support. At least one source of formal health care support was reported by 89.7% of respondents. The most frequently reported source was a general practitioner (82.4%), followed by an outpatient specialist (36.2%) and a nurse (30.2%). Family or friends without health care training were reported by 33.7% of respondents, and acquaintances or relatives working in health care by 32.3%. Digital sources were used by 29.1% of respondents, more often by younger and more educated groups. Navigation in the Czech health care system relies primarily on health care professionals but is substantially complemented by informal ties and digital sources. Further development of navigation support should strengthen the coordinating role of primary care, more clearly involve nurses in navigation functions, develop care coordinators for patients with complex needs, and address the risk of digital exclusion.