Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
Demographic and Social Statistics Department, Living Conditions Statistics Unit
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
Avenida António José de Almeida, n.º 5 - 1000-043 Lisboa
1.6. Contact email address
Confidential because of GDPR
1.7. Contact phone number
Confidential because of GDPR
1.8. Contact fax number
Confidential because of GDPR
2.1. Metadata last certified
28 February 2024
2.2. Metadata last posted
28 February 2024
2.3. Metadata last update
28 February 2025
3.1. Data description
Statistics on healthcare non-expenditure provide information on healthcare human resources, healthcare facilities, and healthcare utilisation.
The people active in the healthcare sector (doctors, dentists, nurses, etc.) and their status (graduates, practising, migration of doctors and nurses, etc.);
The available healthcare technical resources and facilities (hospital beds, beds in residential care facilities, medical technology, etc.);
The health activities or patient contacts undertaken (hospital discharges, surgical procedures, ambulatory care data, etc.).
Annual national and regional data are provided in absolute numbers or as a rate of a relevant population.
Data are based mainly on administrative records (see section 18.1 ‘Source data’ for more information).
3.2. Classification system
For the collection of data on healthcare non- expenditure, the classifications used in the System of Health Accounts (SHA) and its related set of International Classification for the Health Accounts are applied.
For Health Employment, the Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications apply.
Definitions of mandatory variables are laid down in Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2294.
Where possible, the statistics are separated by sex (male/female), age group and NUTS2 region.
National deviations: see Annex at the bottom of the page.
3.3. Coverage - sector
Public health.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
The healthcare non-expenditure statistics describe the public health sector from a non-monetary perspective. The statistics explain the number or rate of different healthcare resources, facilities and utilisations. A wide range of indicators are collected from a multitude of sources and therefore, details pertaining to individual variables are given in the Annex.
Definitions of mandatory variables are laid down in Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2294.
National changes of statistical concepts and national definitions deviating from Regulation (EU) 2022/2294: see Annex at the bottom of the page.
3.5. Statistical unit
Data Section
Statistical unit
1. Data on Health Employment
1.1. Physicians
All physicians registered in the Portuguese Medical Association at the time of data collection, practising or not practising medicine. Includes non-practising physicians, retired professionals, professionals working abroad (if their declared residence is in Portugal), nationals and foreigners practicing in Portugal. Includes qualified physicians practising in hospitals and official clinics. Includes physicians working in private ambulatory health establishments, including private cabinets. The specialties Stomatology and Maxillo-facial surgery are not included here. Physicians with a declared residence abroad are also not included.
1.2. Midwives
Data for midwives in Portugal refer to nurses specialised in Maternal Health and Obstetrics.
Maternal Health and Obstetrics is currently a nursing specialty.
1.3. Nurses
All active nurses with a professional license to practice from the Council of Nurses. Includes nurses working in administration, management, research and in other posts that exclude direct contact with patients. Non-practising nurses are excluded and midwives (nurses specialised in Maternal Health and Obstetrics).
1.4. Caring Personnel
Only data on nurse’s assistants and medical care assistants in hospitals and official clinics (important: some aids practise in both health establishments and/or in other private ambulatory health establishments) are available. Note: Since 2008 (including reference year 2008), separate inquiries by the Official Clinics Survey for this variable stopped. Therefore, global data have to be estimated. Data should be used with caution.
1.5. Dentists
All stomatologists, maxillo-facial surgeons (from 1998 onwards), dentists (from 1985 onwards) and odontologists (until 2010), whether practising, active but not practising, or inactive. Information reflects the number of stomatologists and maxillo-facial surgeons, registered at the Portuguese Medical Association, dentist physicians registered at the Portuguese Dental Association, and odontologists registered at the National Association of Portuguese Dentists. Dentists with a declared residence abroad are not included.
1.6. Pharmacists
Pharmacists registered at the Portuguese Pharmaceutical Society.
1.7. Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists practising in hospitals and official clinics (some practising in both health establishments and/or in private ambulatory health establishments). Physiotherapists working only in private ambulatory health establishments, including private cabinets, are not included.
1.8. Hospital employment
Professionals employed in hospitals.
1.9. Graduates
Students who obtained a graduation at the end of each academic year.
2. Data on Health Care Activities
2.1. Consultations - Doctor consultations (in person)
Between 1985 and 2012: National coverage for medical in-person consultations carried out in hospitals (public and private sector) and health centres.
From 2014 onwards: National coverage for medical in-person consultations carried out in hospitals (public and private sector). Coverage of mainland Portugal for medical in-person consultations and medical consultations at home carried out by health units with one or more health care centres (ACES in Portuguese). Data related to services not dependent on ACES were not considered and data available does not include consultations registered in the Vitacare system.
2.1. Teleconsultations - Doctor teleconsultations
Medical teleconsultations carried out by all hospitals acting in Portugal and medical teleconsultations carried out by health units with one or more health care centres (ACES in Portuguese) located in mainland Portugal. Data related to services not dependent on ACES were not considered and data available does not include consultations registered in the Vitacare system. No data available for medical teleconsultations carried out by health care centres located in the autonomous regions (Região Autónoma dos Açores and Região Autónoma da Madeira).
2.2. Immunisation
People aged 65 and over who have been immunised against influenza.
2.3.1. Screening - Breast cancer screening (mammography) - Survey data
Proportion of female resident population aged between 50 and 69 years old who reported having a mammography in the 2 years preceding the interview.
2.3.2. Screening - Cervical cancer screening - Survey data
Proportion of female resident population aged between 20 and 69 years old who reported having undergone a cervical smear test in the 3 years preceding the interview.
2.3.3. Screening - Colorectal cancer screening - Survey data
Proportion of resident population aged between 50 and 74 years old who reported having made a faecal occult blood test in the 2 years preceding the interview.
2.4. Annual visits to hospital emergency departments
Number of annual visits made to all hospital emergency departments (public and private sector).
2.5. Hospital aggregates
2.5.1. Inpatient care - Discharges
Inpatient care discharges in all hospitals.
2.5.2. Inpatient care - ALOS
Number of bed-days by the number of discharges in all hospitals.
2.5.3. Curative (acute) care - Discharges, beds-days, ALOS and occupancy rate
Somatic curative care: Discharges and bed-days of general hospitals (excluding discharges and bed-days of infirmary beds allocated to psychiatry) and of specialised hospitals other than psychiatry, alcohol recovery, rehabilitation of physically impaired and rehabilitation of drug addicts (excluding discharges and bed-days of infirmary beds allocated to psychiatry).
Psychiatric curative care: Discharges and bed-days of hospitals specialized in psychiatry, in beds allocated to psychiatry in general hospitals and in beds allocated to psychiatry in specialised hospitals other than psychiatry, alcohol recovery, rehabilitation of physically impaired and rehabilitation of drug addicts.
2.6. Diagnostic exams
The number of diagnostic exams is available only for hospitals (public and private sector) from 1999 onwards. Data regarding PET exams was collected for the first time in 2011.
2.7.1. Surgical procedures - Caesarean section
Caesarean sections made in hospitals (public and private sector).
2.7.2. Surgical procedures - Other surgical procedures
Surgical procedures made by all public hospitals in mainland until 2009. For 2010, data on all public hospitals in mainland and 4 public hospitals in Região Autónoma dos Açores and in Região Autónoma da Madeira. For 2015, data on all public hospitals in mainland and 5 public hospitals in Região Autónoma dos Açores and in Região Autónoma da Madeira. Since 2016, data include all public hospitals in the mainland and all public hospitals in Região Autónoma dos Açores and in Região Autónoma da Madeira.
Inpatient cases: Includes stays with less than 24 hours with overnight, and stays with more than 24 hours.
Day cases: Includes same day discharges.
3. Physical and technical resources
3.1. Hospitals
The Hospital Survey began in 1985. This survey covers the whole range of hospitals acting in Portugal: hospitals managed by the National Health Service (public hospitals with universal access), non-public state hospitals (military and prison) and private hospitals.
In 2012, the data series number of hospitals was redefined according to the concept of separate hospital establishments. For example, a hospital centre with three different establishment counts now as three hospitals.
3.2. Hospitals beds by function
Curative (acute) care beds: Beds of infirmaries, particular and semi-private rooms, intensive care units, special care units, intermediate care units and blasted units from all hospitals, except hospitals specialized in alcohol recovery, rehabilitation of physically impaired or rehabilitation of drug addicts.
Rehabilitative care beds: Beds of hospitals specialized in alcohol recovery, rehabilitation of physically impaired or rehabilitation of drug addicts.
Other hospital beds: Beds of other hospital wards (other than infirmaries, particular and semi-private rooms, intensive care units, special care units, intermediate care units and blasted units) in all hospitals, excluding beds of hospitals specialized in alcohol recovery, rehabilitation of physically impaired or rehabilitation of drug addicts.
3.3. Hospitals beds by sector
Beds from all hospitals acting in Portugal: hospitals managed by the National Health Service (public hospitals with universal access), non-public state hospitals (military and prison) and private hospitals. Emergency beds are excluded since 1999.
3.4. Intensive care unit beds and use
Intensive care unit beds in all hospitals acting in Portugal: National Health Service hospitals (public hospitals with universal access), military, prisonnal and private hospitals.
3.5. Beds in residential long-term care facilities
To be completed
3.6. Medical technology
Data include the total installed equipment.
Since 2009, data are only available for medical technology available in hospitals.
3.6. Statistical population
(1) all health care staff
(2) all available beds or equipment in hospitals or in nursing and residential care facilities
(3) all discharges or procedures performed in all hospitals
3.7. Reference area
Complete national territory
3.8. Coverage - Time
Data Section
Coverage - Time
1. Data on Health Employment
1.1. Physicians
Years 1960-2023
1.1.1. Physicians by age and gender
Years 1980-2023
1.1.2. Physicians by categories
Years 1980-2023
1.2. Midwives
Years 2004-2023
1.3. Nurses
Years 2004-2023
1.4. Caring Personnel
Years 1999-2010 and 2012-2023
1.5. Dentists
Years 1980-2023
1.6. Pharmacists - Practising pharmacists
Years 1999-2023
1.6. Pharmacists - Professionally active pharmacists
Years 1999-2012 and 2014-2023
1.6. Pharmacists - Pharmacists licensed to practise
Years 1980-2012 and 2014-2023
1.7. Physiotherapists
Years 1999-2018
1.8. Hospital employment - Total hospital employment - Number
Years 1985-2023
1.8. Hospital employment - Physicians employed in hospital - Number
Years 1985-2023
1.8. Hospital employment - Professional nurses and midwifes employed in hospital - Number
Years 1999-2023
1.8. Hospital employment - Associative professional nurses and midwifes employed in hospital - Number
Years 1999-2023
1.8. Hospital employment - Health care assistances employed in hospital - Number
Years 1999-2023
1.8. Hospital employment - Other health service providers employed in hospital - Number
Years 1985-2023
1.8. Hospital employment - Other staff employed in hospital - Number
Years 1985-2023
1.9. Graduates - Medical graduates
Years 1985-2023
1.9. Graduates - Dentist graduates
Years 1985-2023
1.9. Graduates - Pharmacists graduates
Years 1985-2023
1.9. Graduates - Midwifes graduates
To be completed
1.9. Graduates - Nursing graduates - Total
Years 1993-2023
1.9. Graduates - Nursing graduates - Professional
Years 1993-2023
1.9. Graduates - Nursing graduates - Associate professional
Years 1993-2023
2. Data on Health Care Activities
2.1. Consultations - Doctor consultations (in person)
Years 1985-2012 and 2014-2023
2.1. Consultations - Doctor teleconsultations
Years 2015-2023
2.2. Immunisation
Years 2000 and 2002-2021
2.3.1. Screening - Breast cancer screening (mammography) - Survey data
Years 2005, 2014 and 2019
2.3.2. Screening - Cervical cancer screening - Survey data
Years 2005, 2014 and 2019
2.3.3. Screening - Colorectal cancer screening - Survey data
Years 2014 and 2019
2.4. Annual visits to hospital emergency departments
Years 2016-2023
2.5. Hospital aggregates - Inpatient care
Years 1985-2023
2.5. Hospital aggregates - Curative (acute) care - Discharges - Total
Years 1994-2023
2.5. Hospital aggregates - Curative (acute) care - Discharges - Somatic care
Years 2000-2023
2.5. Hospital aggregates - Curative (acute) care - Discharges - Psychiatric care
Years 2000-2023
2.5. Hospital aggregates - Curative (acute) care - Bed-days - Total
Years 1994-2023
2.5. Hospital aggregates - Curative (acute) care - Bed-days - Somatic care
Years 2000-2023
2.5. Hospital aggregates - Curative (acute) care - Bed-days - Psychiatric care
Years 2000-2023
2.5. Hospital aggregates - Curative (acute) care - ALOS - Total
Years 1994-2023
2.5. Hospital aggregates - Curative (acute) care - ALOS - Somatic care
Years 2000-2023
2.5. Hospital aggregates - Curative (acute) care - ALOS - Psychiatric care
Years 2000-2023
2.5. Hospital aggregates - Curative (acute) care - Occupancy rate - Total
Years 1999-2023
2.5. Hospital aggregates - Curative (acute) care - Occupancy rate - Somatic care
Years 2000-2023
2.5. Hospital aggregates - Curative (acute) care - Occupancy rate - Psychiatric care
Years 2000-2023
2.6. Diagnostic exams - CT exams
Years 1999-2023
2.6. Diagnostic exams - MRI exams
Years 1999-2023
2.6. Diagnostic exams - PET exams
Years 2011-2023
2.7. Surgical procedures - Caesarean section
Years 1990-2023
2.7. Surgical procedures - All other surgical procedures
Years 1992-2023
3. Physical and technical resources
3.1. Hospitals
Years 1985-2023
3.2. Hospitals beds by function - Hospital beds - Total hospital beds
Years 1985-2023
3.2. Hospitals beds by function - Hospital beds - Somatic care beds
Years 1994-2023
3.2. Hospitals beds by function - Hospital beds - Phychiatric care beds
Years 1994-2023
3.2. Hospitals beds by function - Curative (acute) care beds
Years 2000-2023
3.2. Hospitals beds by function - Rehabilitative care beds
Years 2000-2023
3.2. Hospitals beds by function - Long-term care beds
To be completed
3.2. Hospitals beds by function - Other hospital beds
Years 2000-2023
3.3. Hospitals beds by sector
Years 1985-2023
3.4. Intensive care unit beds and use
Years 2015-2023
3.5. Beds in residential long-term care facilities
To be completed
3.6. Medical technology - HP.1+HP.3 - CT scanners
Years 2005-2008
3.6. Medical technology - HP.1+HP.3 - MRI units
Years 2006-2008
3.6. Medical technology - HP.1+HP.3 - PET scanners
Year 2008
3.6. Medical technology - HP.1+HP.3 - Gamma cameras
Year 2008
3.6. Medical technology - HP.1+HP.3 - Mammographs
Years 2005-2007
3.6. Medical technology - HP.1+HP.3 - Radiation therapy equipment
Years 2005, 2006 and 2008
3.6. Medical technology - HP.1 - CT scanners
Years 1999-2023
3.6. Medical technology - HP.1 - MRI units
Years 1999-2023
3.6. Medical technology - HP.1 - PET scanners
Years 2011-2023
3.6. Medical technology - HP.1 - Gamma cameras
Years 2011-2023
3.6. Medical technology - HP.1 - Mammographs
Years 2011-2023
3.6. Medical technology - HP.1 - Radiation therapy equipment
Years 2011-2023
3.6. Medical technology - HP.3 - CT scanners
Years 2005-2008
3.6. Medical technology - HP.3 - MRI units
Years 2006-2008
3.6. Medical technology - HP.3 - PET scanners
To be completed
3.6. Medical technology - HP.3 - Gamma cameras
To be completed
3.6. Medical technology - HP.3 - Mammographs
To be completed
3.6. Medical technology - HP.3 - Radiation therapy equipment
To be completed
3.9. Base period
Not applicable
Data Section
Unit of measure
1. Data on Health Employment
Number - head count
2. Data on Health Care Activities
2.1. Consultations
Number per capita
2.1. Teleconsultations
Number per capita
2.2. Immunisation
Percentage
2.3. Screening
2.3.1. Screening - Breast cancer screening (mammography) - Survey data
Percentage
2.3.2. Screening - Cervical cancer screening - Survey data
Percentage
2.3.3. Screening - Colorectal cancer screening - Survey data
Percentage
2.4. Annual visits to hospital emergency departments
Number
2.5. Hospital aggregates
2.5.1. Inpatient care - Discharges
Number
2.5.2. Inpatient care - ALOS
Average number of days
2.5.3. Curative (acute) care - Discharges
Number
2.5.4. Curative (acute) care - Bed-days
Number
2.5.5. Curative (acute) care - ALOS
Average number of days
2.5.5. Curative (acute) care - Occupancy rate
Percentage
2.6. Diagnostic exams
Number
2.7. Surgical procedures
Number
3. Physical and technical resources
3.1. Hospitals
Number
3.2. Hospitals beds by function
Number (average between the quarters).
3.3. Hospitals beds by sector
Number (average between the quarters).
3.4. Intensive care unit beds and use
Number (average between the quarters).
3.5. Beds in residential long-term care facilities
To be completed
3.6. Medical technology
Number
Data Section
Reference period
1. Data on Health Employment
1.1. Physicians
31st December
1.2. Midwives
31st December
1.3. Nurses
31st December
1.4. Caring Personnel
31st December
1.5. Dentists
31st December
1.6. Pharmacists
31st December
1.7. Physiotherapists
31st December
1.8. Hospital employment
31st December
1.9. Graduates
End of academic year
2. Data on Health Care Activities
2.1. Consultations
Annual
2.1. Teleconsultations
Annual
2.2. Immunisation
Annual
2.3.1. Screening - Breast cancer screening (mammography) - Survey data
Data collection of the National Heath Survey 2005/2006 took place between February 2005 and February 2006.
Data collection of National Heath Survey 2014 took place between October and December 2014.
Data collection of National Heath Survey 2019 took place between September 2019 and January 2020.
2.3.2. Screening - Cervical cancer screening - Survey data
Data collection of the National Heath Survey 2005/2006 took place between February 2005 and February 2006.
Data collection of National Heath Survey 2014 took place between October and December 2014.
Data collection of National Heath Survey 2019 took place between September 2019 and January 2020.
2.3.3. Screening - Colorectal cancer screening - Survey data
Data collection of National Heath Survey 2014 took place between October and December 2014.
Data collection of National Heath Survey 2019 took place between September 2019 and January 2020.
2.4. Annual visits to hospital emergency departments
Annual
2.5. Hospital aggregates
Annual
2.6. Diagnostic exams
Annual
2.7. Surgical procedures
Annual
3. Physical and technical resources
3.1. Hospitals
Annual
3.2. Hospitals beds by function
Average between the quarters
3.3. Hospitals beds by sector
Average between the quarters
3.4. Intensive care unit beds and use
Average between the quarters
3.5. Beds in residential long-term care facilities
To be completed
3.6. Medical technology
Annual
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
Joint Questionnaire on Non-Monetary Health Care Statistics, which is carried by Eurostat, OECD and WHO-Europe.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 on European statistics (recital 24 and Article 20(4)) of 11 March 2009 (OJ L 87, p. 164), stipulates the need to establish common principles and guidelines ensuring the confidentiality of data used for the production of European statistics and the access to those confidential data with due account for technical developments and the requirements of users in a democratic society.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
For aggregate outputs:
Aggregate outputs from Hospital Survey disaggregated by NUTS I, NUTS II, NUTS III and municipality are considered confidential whenever the data corresponds to less than 3 private hospitals. Furthermore, data is classified as confidential is there is a possibility of disclosure by difference, that is, if the data of a confidential cell can be calculated by subtracting the data from non-confidential cells.
For micro-level outputs:
In the case of the Hospital Survey, the anonymization of the microdata databases for scientific purposes is based on the recoding of variables, that is, on the reduction of the number of modalities/categories. This procedure is applied to private hospitals and is based on the recoding of one of the main identifying variables, NUTS III. The aggregation of NUTS III regions is based on geographical proximity and aims to avoid disclosing data referring to less than 3 private hospitals.
8.1. Release calendar
A calendar for press releases is available on Statistics Portugal Website.
The following principles are included in the Statistics Portugal general policy for release of the data to users, and are followed by non-monetary health statistics:
Provide the official statistical information at cost free in the Official Statistics Portal;
Provide objective, timely and punctual official statistical information, accompanied by the respective statistical metadata and, eventually, other information that facilitates its interpretation;
The official statistical information should be impartial and released simultaneously to all users;
Provide official statistical information on pre-announced calendar established based on exclusively technical-regulatory criteria and having in consideration of the quality/up-to-date commitment;
Publicize the changes as far in advance as possible to the dissemination calendar and its justification, maintaining the home calendar accessible.
National data on health is disseminated annually.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
A press release is published every year on the occasion of the World Health Day (April 7) with the latest results of non-monetary health statistics.
The press releases are available at Statistics Portugal Website under the theme Health, in the following link:
Data on non-monetary health statistics is disseminate annually through an on-line publication called "Health Statistics" released on World Health Day (April 7).
The aggregated results of the survey are available in a Database at Statistics Portugal Website, under the theme Health, in the following link: Statistics Portugal - Web Portal (ine.pt)
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
According to the National Statistical System Law - article 6 - individual statistical data on natural and legal persons may only be provided for scientific purposes in an anonymized form, to accredited researchers.
The accreditation of researchers is done by the General Directorate of Education and Science Statistics.
Furthermore, Statistics Portugal has prepared files with information at observation unit level, the so-called Public Use Files (PUFs), in order to meet the users’ needs in accessing more detailed information. These files (data and metadata) contain anonymised records, processed and prepared in a way that the observation unit cannot be identified directly or indirectly, with the exception of statistical data on Public Administration. Access to these files is free and respect the principle of statistical confidentiality and personal data protection.
The non-monetary health statistics results are included in one multi-theme annual publications of Statistics Portugal: the Statistical Yearbook.
10.6. Documentation on methodology
The main methodological aspects of non-monetary health statistics are described in methodological documents, which is mandatory for all surveys carried out in the context of the National Statistical System.
All methodological documents are freely accessed on the Internet, at Statistics Portugal website, complying with the principles defined in the “European Statistics Code of Practice”.
The European Statistics Code of Practice, a self-regulatory instrument whose main purpose is to improve trust and confidence in official statistics produced and disseminated by the statistical authorities of Member States, Candidate Countries, EFTA Members and Eurostat, reinforcing their independence, integrity and responsibility and to enhance the quality of European Statistics.
Information Security Management System (ISMS), aligned with the best international practices, namely NP ISO / IEC 27001: 2013, is comprised of a set of policies and procedures that are now available to all Statistics Portugal’s procedures, and which allow the operationalization of the System.
The following are noteworthy strategic documents to Statistics Portugal and made available in its Portal:
The 2019 edition of the Quality Chart(only in PT version), which formalizes Statistics Portugal’s assumed public commitment in relation to the quality and credibility of the official statistics it produces and disseminates, to the public service it provides to the society – making it clear to all information providers, users of statistical information and to the public in general – also expressing the commitment towards information security;
The Information Security Policy(only in PT version), which sets the general principles by which Statistics Portugal carries its mission, to the assets it manages within the scope of the ISMS, following all requirements within NP ISO/IEC 27001:2013, the applicable legislation, regulation and recommendations of the ESS (European Statistical System) and EUROSTAT in what specifically concerns information security;
The Statistical Confidentiality Policy(only in PT version), which replaces the former Statistics Portugal´s Confidentiality Chart and is part of the ISMS and formalizes the public commitment of compliance with the Principle of Statistical Secrecy assumed by Statistics Portugal as the central body responsible for the coordination and development of the national statistical activity;
The Personal Data and Privacy Protection Policy(only in PT version), which aims to supply the providers of data information about the nature of the collected data, its intended purpose and how the data are treated.
To ensure process and data quality several procedures are carried out:
The questionnaires and methodological documents follow a procedure of approval within the National Statistical System. This procedure is supervised by a coordination team, and implies the consultation of the questionnaire and methodological document by all departments, where opinions and recommendations are collected and adopted, if relevant.
Data collection carried out via a web platform use a specific computer programs backed up with validation rules (for guarantying answers quality, coherence between related questions and the observance of the routing) and instructions for the respondents.
The longitudinal coherence of the data collected through surveys is verified and respondents are contacted whenever necessary, in order to confirm or rectify the data provided.
Data collected from administrative sources is also submitted to validation procedures, in order to assure coherence between reference years.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
Not available.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
The main users of the non-monetary health statistics are:
1. Internal users (of the National Statistical System):
Statistics Portugal - Social Statistics Department, National Accounts Department and Office of Territorial Statistics
Regional Directorates of Statistics of Região Autónoma dos Açores (SREA) and Região Autónoma da Madeira (DREM) that act as delegations of Statistics Portugal for regional data collection purposes
2. Other national users:
Directorate-General for Health
Researchers
Individual persons.
3. International users:
Eurostat
WHO
OECD
United Nations
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Statistics Portugal Dissemination Policy foresees a regular monitoring and assessment of the quality and accessibility of disseminated data, in order to ensure continued improvement of dissemination activity.
This process involves:
The different type of users are regularly surveyed on their satisfaction regarding products and services made available to them by Statistics Portugal;
User comments, suggestions and complaints are viewed as real opportunities to further improve the dissemination activity of Statistics Portugal;
User comments, suggestions and complaints are duly treated in accordance with the procedures established in Statistics Portugal's Quality Charter;
User comments, suggestions and complaints, where relevant, leads to the adoption of measures to further improve the activity of Statistics Portugal, particularly in the dissemination function.
12.3. Completeness
Data completeness depends on the availability of data, namely from administrative sources. When applicable, coverage limitations or deviation from the definition are stated for each variable in the Sources and Methods document.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Data from official statistics are subject to Statistics Portugal quality policy. Administrative data are validated by the respective data sources, verified for coherence and plausibility and, if necessary, reviewed in order the assure data accuracy.
13.2. Sampling error
Not applicable.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Not applicable.
14.1. Timeliness
At national level, data on non-monetary health statistics is disseminated in April of year n+1, with n being the year of inquiry or administrative collection.
14.2. Punctuality
The database indicators, press release and on-publication are released on Statistics Portugal website annually on the scheduled date.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
The non-monetary health statistics are comparable between geographical areas.
15.2. Comparability - over time
The non-monetary health statistics are comparable over time.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
In case of non-monetary health care statistics a part of data are collected from different data sources. Considering that these are totally different organisations, with different methodologies, sources and even sometimes definitions, overall coherence is acceptable.
15.4. Coherence - internal
All statistics are coherent within the dataset.
There are costs for the coordination and processing of the data delivery as well as for the collection of the Hospital Survey, whose data is required for the reporting of the health non-expenditure data. As a rule, available data sources are used and an attempt is made to keep the burden on the respondents as low as possible.
17.1. Data revision - policy
Statistics Portugal has a revision policy document that seeks to clarify the key factors of a revision, the typology of revision that may occur and the dimensions governing a revision’s analysis. It also explains the General and Operational Principles of the revisions policy that Statistics Portugal will consolidate in the future.
Statistics Portugal and the Portuguese Medical Association.
1.2. Midwives
Statistics Portugal and the Council of Nurses.
1.3. Nurses
Statistics Portugal and the Council of Nurses.
1.4. Caring Personnel
Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey / Official Clinic Survey.
1.5. Dentists
Statistics Portugal / Portuguese Medical Association (stomatologists and maxillo-facial surgeons), The Portuguese Dental Association (dentists, since 1985) and The National Association of Portuguese Dentists (odontologists).
1.6. Pharmacists
Statistics Portugal / Portuguese Pharmaceutical Society.
1.7. Physiotherapists
Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey / Official Clinic Survey.
1.8. Hospital employment
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey.
From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection.
1.9. Graduates
Since 2011: Directorate General of Statistics of Education and Science, Ministry of Education and Science.
Between 2006 and 2010: Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education.
Up to 2005: Ministry of Education.
2. Data on Health Care Activities
2.1. Consultations - Doctor consultations (in person)
Between 1985 and 2012: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and Official Clinic Survey.
Between 2014 and 2018: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and Portal SNS.
From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey, administrative collection and Portal SNS.
2.1. Teleconsultations - Doctor teleconsultations
Between 2015 and 2018: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and Portal SNS.
From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey, administrative collection and Portal SNS.
2.2. Immunisation
National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge
2.3.1. Screening - Breast cancer screening (mammography) - Survey data
National Health Survey 2005/2006, developed in partnership by National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) and Statistics Portugal.
National Health Survey 2014, developed in partnership by National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) and Statistics Portugal.
National Health Survey 2019, developed in partnership by National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) and Statistics Portugal.
2.3.2. Screening - Cervical cancer screening - Survey data
National Health Survey 2005/2006, developed in partnership by National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) and Statistics Portugal.
National Health Survey 2014, developed in partnership by National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) and Statistics Portugal.
National Health Survey 2019, developed in partnership by National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) and Statistics Portugal.
2.3.3. Screening - Colorectal cancer screening - Survey data
National Health Survey 2014, developed in partnership by National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) and Statistics Portugal.
National Health Survey 2019, developed in partnership by National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) and Statistics Portugal.
2.4. Annual visits to hospital emergency departments
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection.
2.5. Hospital aggregates
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey.
From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection.
2.6. Diagnostic exams
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey.
From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection.
2.7. Surgical procedures
Caesarean sections - Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
Caesarean sections - From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection.
Other surgical procedures: Ministry of Health, Central Administration of the Health System (ACSS), National Hospital Morbility database.
3. Physical and technical resources
3.1. Hospitals
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection.
3.2. Hospitals beds by function
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection.
3.3. Hospitals beds by sector
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection.
3.4. Intensive care unit beds and use
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection.
3.5. Beds in residential long-term care facilities
To be completed
3.6.1. Medical technology - Available in HP.1 (hospital)
For inpatient facilities (official and private hospitals) - Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
For inpatient facilities (official and private hospitals) - From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection.
3.6.1. Medical technology - Available in HP.3 (ambulatory sector)
For all sectors (inpatient and outpatient facilities) of public hospitals in the mainland: Ministry of Health - Survey of High-tech Facilities.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Annual.
18.3. Data collection
Data Section
Data collection
1. Data on Health Employment
1.1. Physicians
Administrative data provided to Statistics Portugal by a professional association or council, within a colaboration protocol.
1.2. Midwives
Administrative data provided to Statistics Portugal by a professional association or council, within a colaboration protocol.
1.3. Nurses
Administrative data provided to Statistics Portugal by a professional association or council, within a colaboration protocol.
1.4. Caring Personnel
Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey / Official Clinic Survey.
1.5. Dentists
Administrative data provided to Statistics Portugal by a professional association or council, within a colaboration protocol.
1.6. Pharmacists
Administrative data provided to Statistics Portugal by a professional association or council, within a colaboration protocol.
1.7. Physiotherapists
Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey / Official Clinic Survey.
1.8. Hospital employment
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
From 2019 onwards: data on hospitals come from two data collections (Hospital Survey for private hospitals, military hospitals, prison hospitals and all hospitals from the autonomous regions carried out by Statistics Portugal and administrative data on Mainland public hospitals provided to Statistics Portugal by the Ministry of Health within a colaboration protocol).
1.9. Graduates
Administrative source, Directorate General of Statistics of Education and Science since 2011.
2. Data on Health Care Activities
2.1. Consultations - Doctor consultations (in person)
Between 1985 and 2012: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and Official Clinic Survey.
Between 2014 and 2018: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and Portal SNS.
From 2019 onwards: data on hospitals is based on two data collections (Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection) and Portal SNS.
2.1. Teleconsultations - Doctor teleconsultations
Between 2015 and 2018: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and Portal SNS.
From 2019 onwards: data on hospitals come from two data collections (Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection) and Portal SNS.
2.2. Immunisation
National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge, ECOS sample
2.3.1. Screening - Breast cancer screening (mammography) - Survey data
Statistics Portugal, National Health Survey
2.3.2. Screening - Cervical cancer screening - Survey data
Statistics Portugal, National Health Survey
2.3.3. Screening - Colorectal cancer screening - Survey data
Statistics Portugal, National Health Survey
2.4. Annual visits to hospital emergency departments
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
From 2019 onwards: data on hospitals come from two data collections (Hospital Survey for private hospitals, military hospitals, prison hospitals and all hospitals from the autonomous regions carried out by Statistics Portugal and administrative data on Mainland public hospitals provided to Statistics Portugal by the Ministry of Health within a colaboration protocol).
2.5. Hospital aggregates
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
From 2019 onwards: data on hospitals come from two data collections (Hospital Survey for private hospitals, military hospitals, prison hospitals and all hospitals from the autonomous regions carried out by Statistics Portugal and administrative data on Mainland public hospitals provided to Statistics Portugal by the Ministry of Health within a colaboration protocol).
2.6. Diagnostic exams
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey.
From 2019 onwards: data on hospitals come from two data collections (Hospital Survey for private hospitals, military hospitals, prison hospitals and all hospitals from the autonomous regions carried out by Statistics Portugal and administrative data on Mainland public hospitals provided to Statistics Portugal by the Ministry of Health within a colaboration protocol).
2.7. Surgical procedures
Caesarean sections - Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
Caesarean sections - From 2019 onwards: data on caesarean sections come from two data collections (Hospital Survey for private hospitals, military hospitals, prison hospitals and all hospitals from the autonomous regions carried out by Statistics Portugal and administrative data on Mainland public hospitals provided to Statistics Portugal by the Ministry of Health within a colaboration protocol).
Other surgical procedures: Ministry of Health, Central Administration of the Health System (ACSS), National Hospital Morbility database.
3. Physical and technical resources
3.1. Hospitals
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
From 2019 onwards: data on hospitals come from two data collections (Hospital Survey for private hospitals, military hospitals, prison hospitals and all hospitals from the autonomous regions carried out by Statistics Portugal and administrative data on Mainland public hospitals provided to Statistics Portugal by the Ministry of Health within a colaboration protocol).
3.2. Hospitals beds by function
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
From 2019 onwards: data on hospitals come from two data collections (Hospital Survey for private hospitals, military hospitals, prison hospitals and all hospitals from the autonomous regions carried out by Statistics Portugal and administrative data on Mainland public hospitals provided to Statistics Portugal by the Ministry of Health within a colaboration protocol).
3.3. Hospitals beds by sector
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
Since the reference year of 2019, data on hospitals come from two data collections (Hospital Survey for private hospitals, military hospitals, prison hospitals and all hospitals from the autonomous regions carried out by Statistics Portugal and administrative data on Mainland public hospitals provided to Statistics Portugal by the Ministry of Health within a colaboration protocol).
3.4. Intensive care unit beds and use
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
Since the reference year of 2019, data on hospitals come from two data collections (Hospital Survey for private hospitals, military hospitals, prison hospitals and all hospitals from the autonomous regions carried out by Statistics Portugal and administrative data on Mainland public hospitals provided to Statistics Portugal by the Ministry of Health within a colaboration protocol).
3.5. Beds in residential long-term care facilities
To be completed
3.6.1. Medical technology - Available in HP.1 (hospital)
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
Since the reference year of 2019, data on hospitals come from two data collections (Hospital Survey for private hospitals, military hospitals, prison hospitals and all hospitals from the autonomous regions carried out by Statistics Portugal and administrative data on Mainland public hospitals provided to Statistics Portugal by the Ministry of Health within a colaboration protocol).
3.6.2. Medical technology - Available in HP.3 (ambulatory sector)
Ministry of Health, Survey of High-tech Facilities
18.4. Data validation
Data collection via questionnaire is carried out based on a web platform with validation rules for guarantying answers quality and coherence between related questions.
Furthermore, the data collected in each year is compared with the previous year in order to assure coherence.
Data collection via administrative sources is also submitted to validation procedures that ensure the quality of the statistical results.
Statistics on healthcare non-expenditure provide information on healthcare human resources, healthcare facilities, and healthcare utilisation.
The people active in the healthcare sector (doctors, dentists, nurses, etc.) and their status (graduates, practising, migration of doctors and nurses, etc.);
The available healthcare technical resources and facilities (hospital beds, beds in residential care facilities, medical technology, etc.);
The health activities or patient contacts undertaken (hospital discharges, surgical procedures, ambulatory care data, etc.).
Annual national and regional data are provided in absolute numbers or as a rate of a relevant population.
Data are based mainly on administrative records (see section 18.1 ‘Source data’ for more information).
28 February 2025
The healthcare non-expenditure statistics describe the public health sector from a non-monetary perspective. The statistics explain the number or rate of different healthcare resources, facilities and utilisations. A wide range of indicators are collected from a multitude of sources and therefore, details pertaining to individual variables are given in the Annex.
Definitions of mandatory variables are laid down in Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2294.
National changes of statistical concepts and national definitions deviating from Regulation (EU) 2022/2294: see Annex at the bottom of the page.
Data Section
Statistical unit
1. Data on Health Employment
1.1. Physicians
All physicians registered in the Portuguese Medical Association at the time of data collection, practising or not practising medicine. Includes non-practising physicians, retired professionals, professionals working abroad (if their declared residence is in Portugal), nationals and foreigners practicing in Portugal. Includes qualified physicians practising in hospitals and official clinics. Includes physicians working in private ambulatory health establishments, including private cabinets. The specialties Stomatology and Maxillo-facial surgery are not included here. Physicians with a declared residence abroad are also not included.
1.2. Midwives
Data for midwives in Portugal refer to nurses specialised in Maternal Health and Obstetrics.
Maternal Health and Obstetrics is currently a nursing specialty.
1.3. Nurses
All active nurses with a professional license to practice from the Council of Nurses. Includes nurses working in administration, management, research and in other posts that exclude direct contact with patients. Non-practising nurses are excluded and midwives (nurses specialised in Maternal Health and Obstetrics).
1.4. Caring Personnel
Only data on nurse’s assistants and medical care assistants in hospitals and official clinics (important: some aids practise in both health establishments and/or in other private ambulatory health establishments) are available. Note: Since 2008 (including reference year 2008), separate inquiries by the Official Clinics Survey for this variable stopped. Therefore, global data have to be estimated. Data should be used with caution.
1.5. Dentists
All stomatologists, maxillo-facial surgeons (from 1998 onwards), dentists (from 1985 onwards) and odontologists (until 2010), whether practising, active but not practising, or inactive. Information reflects the number of stomatologists and maxillo-facial surgeons, registered at the Portuguese Medical Association, dentist physicians registered at the Portuguese Dental Association, and odontologists registered at the National Association of Portuguese Dentists. Dentists with a declared residence abroad are not included.
1.6. Pharmacists
Pharmacists registered at the Portuguese Pharmaceutical Society.
1.7. Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists practising in hospitals and official clinics (some practising in both health establishments and/or in private ambulatory health establishments). Physiotherapists working only in private ambulatory health establishments, including private cabinets, are not included.
1.8. Hospital employment
Professionals employed in hospitals.
1.9. Graduates
Students who obtained a graduation at the end of each academic year.
2. Data on Health Care Activities
2.1. Consultations - Doctor consultations (in person)
Between 1985 and 2012: National coverage for medical in-person consultations carried out in hospitals (public and private sector) and health centres.
From 2014 onwards: National coverage for medical in-person consultations carried out in hospitals (public and private sector). Coverage of mainland Portugal for medical in-person consultations and medical consultations at home carried out by health units with one or more health care centres (ACES in Portuguese). Data related to services not dependent on ACES were not considered and data available does not include consultations registered in the Vitacare system.
2.1. Teleconsultations - Doctor teleconsultations
Medical teleconsultations carried out by all hospitals acting in Portugal and medical teleconsultations carried out by health units with one or more health care centres (ACES in Portuguese) located in mainland Portugal. Data related to services not dependent on ACES were not considered and data available does not include consultations registered in the Vitacare system. No data available for medical teleconsultations carried out by health care centres located in the autonomous regions (Região Autónoma dos Açores and Região Autónoma da Madeira).
2.2. Immunisation
People aged 65 and over who have been immunised against influenza.
2.3.1. Screening - Breast cancer screening (mammography) - Survey data
Proportion of female resident population aged between 50 and 69 years old who reported having a mammography in the 2 years preceding the interview.
2.3.2. Screening - Cervical cancer screening - Survey data
Proportion of female resident population aged between 20 and 69 years old who reported having undergone a cervical smear test in the 3 years preceding the interview.
2.3.3. Screening - Colorectal cancer screening - Survey data
Proportion of resident population aged between 50 and 74 years old who reported having made a faecal occult blood test in the 2 years preceding the interview.
2.4. Annual visits to hospital emergency departments
Number of annual visits made to all hospital emergency departments (public and private sector).
2.5. Hospital aggregates
2.5.1. Inpatient care - Discharges
Inpatient care discharges in all hospitals.
2.5.2. Inpatient care - ALOS
Number of bed-days by the number of discharges in all hospitals.
2.5.3. Curative (acute) care - Discharges, beds-days, ALOS and occupancy rate
Somatic curative care: Discharges and bed-days of general hospitals (excluding discharges and bed-days of infirmary beds allocated to psychiatry) and of specialised hospitals other than psychiatry, alcohol recovery, rehabilitation of physically impaired and rehabilitation of drug addicts (excluding discharges and bed-days of infirmary beds allocated to psychiatry).
Psychiatric curative care: Discharges and bed-days of hospitals specialized in psychiatry, in beds allocated to psychiatry in general hospitals and in beds allocated to psychiatry in specialised hospitals other than psychiatry, alcohol recovery, rehabilitation of physically impaired and rehabilitation of drug addicts.
2.6. Diagnostic exams
The number of diagnostic exams is available only for hospitals (public and private sector) from 1999 onwards. Data regarding PET exams was collected for the first time in 2011.
2.7.1. Surgical procedures - Caesarean section
Caesarean sections made in hospitals (public and private sector).
2.7.2. Surgical procedures - Other surgical procedures
Surgical procedures made by all public hospitals in mainland until 2009. For 2010, data on all public hospitals in mainland and 4 public hospitals in Região Autónoma dos Açores and in Região Autónoma da Madeira. For 2015, data on all public hospitals in mainland and 5 public hospitals in Região Autónoma dos Açores and in Região Autónoma da Madeira. Since 2016, data include all public hospitals in the mainland and all public hospitals in Região Autónoma dos Açores and in Região Autónoma da Madeira.
Inpatient cases: Includes stays with less than 24 hours with overnight, and stays with more than 24 hours.
Day cases: Includes same day discharges.
3. Physical and technical resources
3.1. Hospitals
The Hospital Survey began in 1985. This survey covers the whole range of hospitals acting in Portugal: hospitals managed by the National Health Service (public hospitals with universal access), non-public state hospitals (military and prison) and private hospitals.
In 2012, the data series number of hospitals was redefined according to the concept of separate hospital establishments. For example, a hospital centre with three different establishment counts now as three hospitals.
3.2. Hospitals beds by function
Curative (acute) care beds: Beds of infirmaries, particular and semi-private rooms, intensive care units, special care units, intermediate care units and blasted units from all hospitals, except hospitals specialized in alcohol recovery, rehabilitation of physically impaired or rehabilitation of drug addicts.
Rehabilitative care beds: Beds of hospitals specialized in alcohol recovery, rehabilitation of physically impaired or rehabilitation of drug addicts.
Other hospital beds: Beds of other hospital wards (other than infirmaries, particular and semi-private rooms, intensive care units, special care units, intermediate care units and blasted units) in all hospitals, excluding beds of hospitals specialized in alcohol recovery, rehabilitation of physically impaired or rehabilitation of drug addicts.
3.3. Hospitals beds by sector
Beds from all hospitals acting in Portugal: hospitals managed by the National Health Service (public hospitals with universal access), non-public state hospitals (military and prison) and private hospitals. Emergency beds are excluded since 1999.
3.4. Intensive care unit beds and use
Intensive care unit beds in all hospitals acting in Portugal: National Health Service hospitals (public hospitals with universal access), military, prisonnal and private hospitals.
3.5. Beds in residential long-term care facilities
To be completed
3.6. Medical technology
Data include the total installed equipment.
Since 2009, data are only available for medical technology available in hospitals.
(1) all health care staff
(2) all available beds or equipment in hospitals or in nursing and residential care facilities
(3) all discharges or procedures performed in all hospitals
Complete national territory
Data Section
Reference period
1. Data on Health Employment
1.1. Physicians
31st December
1.2. Midwives
31st December
1.3. Nurses
31st December
1.4. Caring Personnel
31st December
1.5. Dentists
31st December
1.6. Pharmacists
31st December
1.7. Physiotherapists
31st December
1.8. Hospital employment
31st December
1.9. Graduates
End of academic year
2. Data on Health Care Activities
2.1. Consultations
Annual
2.1. Teleconsultations
Annual
2.2. Immunisation
Annual
2.3.1. Screening - Breast cancer screening (mammography) - Survey data
Data collection of the National Heath Survey 2005/2006 took place between February 2005 and February 2006.
Data collection of National Heath Survey 2014 took place between October and December 2014.
Data collection of National Heath Survey 2019 took place between September 2019 and January 2020.
2.3.2. Screening - Cervical cancer screening - Survey data
Data collection of the National Heath Survey 2005/2006 took place between February 2005 and February 2006.
Data collection of National Heath Survey 2014 took place between October and December 2014.
Data collection of National Heath Survey 2019 took place between September 2019 and January 2020.
2.3.3. Screening - Colorectal cancer screening - Survey data
Data collection of National Heath Survey 2014 took place between October and December 2014.
Data collection of National Heath Survey 2019 took place between September 2019 and January 2020.
2.4. Annual visits to hospital emergency departments
Annual
2.5. Hospital aggregates
Annual
2.6. Diagnostic exams
Annual
2.7. Surgical procedures
Annual
3. Physical and technical resources
3.1. Hospitals
Annual
3.2. Hospitals beds by function
Average between the quarters
3.3. Hospitals beds by sector
Average between the quarters
3.4. Intensive care unit beds and use
Average between the quarters
3.5. Beds in residential long-term care facilities
To be completed
3.6. Medical technology
Annual
Data from official statistics are subject to Statistics Portugal quality policy. Administrative data are validated by the respective data sources, verified for coherence and plausibility and, if necessary, reviewed in order the assure data accuracy.
Data Section
Unit of measure
1. Data on Health Employment
Number - head count
2. Data on Health Care Activities
2.1. Consultations
Number per capita
2.1. Teleconsultations
Number per capita
2.2. Immunisation
Percentage
2.3. Screening
2.3.1. Screening - Breast cancer screening (mammography) - Survey data
Percentage
2.3.2. Screening - Cervical cancer screening - Survey data
Percentage
2.3.3. Screening - Colorectal cancer screening - Survey data
Percentage
2.4. Annual visits to hospital emergency departments
Number
2.5. Hospital aggregates
2.5.1. Inpatient care - Discharges
Number
2.5.2. Inpatient care - ALOS
Average number of days
2.5.3. Curative (acute) care - Discharges
Number
2.5.4. Curative (acute) care - Bed-days
Number
2.5.5. Curative (acute) care - ALOS
Average number of days
2.5.5. Curative (acute) care - Occupancy rate
Percentage
2.6. Diagnostic exams
Number
2.7. Surgical procedures
Number
3. Physical and technical resources
3.1. Hospitals
Number
3.2. Hospitals beds by function
Number (average between the quarters).
3.3. Hospitals beds by sector
Number (average between the quarters).
3.4. Intensive care unit beds and use
Number (average between the quarters).
3.5. Beds in residential long-term care facilities
To be completed
3.6. Medical technology
Number
No imputation or weights are used.
Data Section
Source data
1. Data on Health Employment
1.1. Physicians
Statistics Portugal and the Portuguese Medical Association.
1.2. Midwives
Statistics Portugal and the Council of Nurses.
1.3. Nurses
Statistics Portugal and the Council of Nurses.
1.4. Caring Personnel
Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey / Official Clinic Survey.
1.5. Dentists
Statistics Portugal / Portuguese Medical Association (stomatologists and maxillo-facial surgeons), The Portuguese Dental Association (dentists, since 1985) and The National Association of Portuguese Dentists (odontologists).
1.6. Pharmacists
Statistics Portugal / Portuguese Pharmaceutical Society.
1.7. Physiotherapists
Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey / Official Clinic Survey.
1.8. Hospital employment
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey.
From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection.
1.9. Graduates
Since 2011: Directorate General of Statistics of Education and Science, Ministry of Education and Science.
Between 2006 and 2010: Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education.
Up to 2005: Ministry of Education.
2. Data on Health Care Activities
2.1. Consultations - Doctor consultations (in person)
Between 1985 and 2012: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and Official Clinic Survey.
Between 2014 and 2018: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and Portal SNS.
From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey, administrative collection and Portal SNS.
2.1. Teleconsultations - Doctor teleconsultations
Between 2015 and 2018: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and Portal SNS.
From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey, administrative collection and Portal SNS.
2.2. Immunisation
National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge
2.3.1. Screening - Breast cancer screening (mammography) - Survey data
National Health Survey 2005/2006, developed in partnership by National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) and Statistics Portugal.
National Health Survey 2014, developed in partnership by National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) and Statistics Portugal.
National Health Survey 2019, developed in partnership by National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) and Statistics Portugal.
2.3.2. Screening - Cervical cancer screening - Survey data
National Health Survey 2005/2006, developed in partnership by National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) and Statistics Portugal.
National Health Survey 2014, developed in partnership by National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) and Statistics Portugal.
National Health Survey 2019, developed in partnership by National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) and Statistics Portugal.
2.3.3. Screening - Colorectal cancer screening - Survey data
National Health Survey 2014, developed in partnership by National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) and Statistics Portugal.
National Health Survey 2019, developed in partnership by National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) and Statistics Portugal.
2.4. Annual visits to hospital emergency departments
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection.
2.5. Hospital aggregates
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey.
From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection.
2.6. Diagnostic exams
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey.
From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection.
2.7. Surgical procedures
Caesarean sections - Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
Caesarean sections - From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection.
Other surgical procedures: Ministry of Health, Central Administration of the Health System (ACSS), National Hospital Morbility database.
3. Physical and technical resources
3.1. Hospitals
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection.
3.2. Hospitals beds by function
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection.
3.3. Hospitals beds by sector
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection.
3.4. Intensive care unit beds and use
Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection.
3.5. Beds in residential long-term care facilities
To be completed
3.6.1. Medical technology - Available in HP.1 (hospital)
For inpatient facilities (official and private hospitals) - Up to 2018: Statistics Portugal, Hospital Survey
For inpatient facilities (official and private hospitals) - From 2019 onwards: Statistics Portugal - Hospital Survey and administrative collection.
3.6.1. Medical technology - Available in HP.3 (ambulatory sector)
For all sectors (inpatient and outpatient facilities) of public hospitals in the mainland: Ministry of Health - Survey of High-tech Facilities.
National data on health is disseminated annually.
At national level, data on non-monetary health statistics is disseminated in April of year n+1, with n being the year of inquiry or administrative collection.
The non-monetary health statistics are comparable between geographical areas.
The non-monetary health statistics are comparable over time.
