Trends in spa and balneology in postcovid era, outcomes, and perspectives.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected spa and balneology not only in the Czech Republic. Generally, almost two years without spa patients and clients led to a dramatic outflow of labor. The article main purpose is to analyze pandemic impact on the structure of spa patients and clients, to identify main current spa problems to be overcome, and to summarize possible future trends in modern spa and balneology for current and future spa clients. Spa will remain an important medical solution for treatment of some diagnoses using healing mineral-medical waters and natural sources, but they must innovate their services and treating programs to answer current questions and clients 'demands. It will be a complex patient care combining body and mental treatment and care with the use of so-called therapeutic landscape, a unique landscape surrounding spa towns and places, as well as wellness aspects. Modern spa must be an integral part of health care systems in Europe.