Provision and dynamics of the number of medical psychologists in medical organizations of the Central Federal District for 22 years (2002–2023)

Introduction . With the development of technologies and increased attention to mental health, the demand for qualified specialists in this field increases. The article considers the dynamics of the number of medical psychologists in the healthcare system of the Central Federal District of the Russian Federation for the period from 2002 to 2023. The purpose of the study : to study the availability and dynamics of the number of medical psychologists in the Central Federal District of the Russian Federation, to identify key trends and main problems. Materials and methods . The study used data from annual reporting forms of federal statistical observation No. 30 «Information on the medical organization» for 2002–2023. Standard dynamics indicators were calculated in the work. Results . The analysis shows an increase in the number of positions of med- ical psychologists and individuals working in these positions, but the problem of insufficient staffing remains in some regions of the Central Federal District. It was revealed that only 16.25% of medical psychologists in the Central Federal District have a qualification category, 3.73% have a specialist certificate and 18.42% have been accredited. The number of medical psychol- ogists in medical organizations is below the potential set by the allocated staff units. The growth in the number of staff units of medical psychologists in the Central Federal District was slightly slower compared to regions that are not part of the Central Federal District structure, but in the last year the growth rate has increased. Conclusion . In general, a trend towards an increase in the number of medical psychologists in all subjects included in the Central Federal District was revealed. There is a continuing need to attract qualified medical psychologists to public healthcare organizations, improve professional retraining, and include medical psychologists in the continuous medical education system.