scholarly journals Why it is time to review the role of private health insurance in Australia

2004 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 106
Author(s):  
Michael Roff ◽  
Leonie Segal
Keyword(s):  
Diagnosis Related Groups ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Private Hospitals ◽  
Australian Health ◽  
Private Health Sector ◽  
Recent Addition ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Health Review

TO THE EDITOR: Since its introduction on 1 January 1999, the 30% rebate has been the subject of much misleading comment by the opponents of the private health sector. A recent addition to these ranks was published in the first edition for 2004 of Australian Health Review (Segal 2004). There is no real attempt at balance in the article. While Segal argues that the rebate has failed to take the pressure off public hospitals, we are not told, for example, that almost one-in-five extra patients admitted by public hospitals in the three years to 2002-03 were actually private patients! Similarly, the article is littered with generalisations and, in some cases, misleading or completely incorrect statements, such as ?Private hospitals do not offer a complete hospital service . . .? Even a cursory examination of the available national data indicates that private hospitals provide services in all but 7 of the 654 diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) recorded. Private hospitals perform all the remaining 647 DRGs.

scholarly journals Measuring and Assessing the Wealth Influence on the Efficiency of the Health System through the Private Sector

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 437-449
Author(s):  
Mina Fanea-Ivanovici ◽  
Marius-Cristian Pană ◽  
Mihail Dumitru Sacală ◽  
Cristina Voicu
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Quality Of Services ◽  
Private Hospitals ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Health Sector ◽  
Private Health Sector

The aim of the paper is to provide an analysis of the dynamics of the public and private health sectors in Romania. Using descriptive statistics, it first investigates whether the public health sector follows the reformation trends suggested by official strategies and reports, and to what extent the private health sector is a viable alternative to the public one, by analysing the demand for private inpatient services. We look into the reduction in the occupancy degree in public hospitals as a means to increase the efficiency of public health expenditures, which represents one way to reform the public health sector. We also find that the increase in the occupancy degree in private hospitals is negatively correlated with the quality of services provided by public hospitals, but positively correlated with population wealth. Increase in the occupancy degree in private hospitals is an indicator of poor quality of services in public hospitals. It can also be explained by increasing expectations and requirements of beneficiaries as a reflection of increase in wealth and of their will to preserve their health capital. Using regression models, the paper then proposes the Wealth-Health Index, a composite indicator to explore the connection between wealth and health and the dynamics of the private health sector. Investment in physical infrastructure and the size of medical staff in the private sector is positively correlated with wealth increase.

The Role of Management Accounting Systems in Public Hospitals and the Construction of Budgets

2016 ◽  
pp. 366-389
Author(s):  
Carla Marina Pereira de Campos ◽  
Lúcia Lima Rodrigues ◽  
Susana Margarida Faustino Jorge
Keyword(s):  
Management Accounting ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Public Funds ◽  
Accounting Systems ◽  
The Public ◽  
Management Accounting Systems ◽  
Alternative Approaches ◽  
Traditional Approaches

The role of management accounting systems (MAS) in the construction of budgets in the public health sector has been one of the least studied topics in the international literature. Furthermore, several studies have confirmed the loss of relevance of traditional approaches to budgeting due to the need to implement techniques that are more performance-oriented. Since public hospitals are organisations that depend significantly on public funds, with substantial impacts on governments' budgets, the pressure for reducing expenditures is strong, causing increased difficulties in hospital management. In order to analyse the role of MAS in the preparation of hospital budgets, this chapter presents a literature review on this topic. This review allows to understand the loss of relevance of traditional budgeting techniques and to present alternative approaches. In this process, the implementation of different kinds of budgeting is heavily influenced by governments and professionals. Nevertheless, the research on this topic is still very scarce, evidencing the need to continue studying it.

scholarly journals Assessing the role of the private sector in surveillance for malaria elimination in Haiti and the Dominican Republic: a qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail Sidibe ◽  
Alysse Maglior ◽  
Carmen Cueto ◽  
Ingrid Chen ◽  
Arnaud Le Menach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Elimination ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Treatment Seeking ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Private Providers ◽  
Private Health Sector ◽  
Ongoing Support ◽  
Care Seeking Behaviour

Abstract Background Haiti and the Dominican Republic (DR) are targeting malaria elimination by 2022. The private health sector has been relatively unengaged in these efforts, even though most primary health care in Haiti is provided by non-state actors, and many people use traditional medicine. Data on private health sector participation in malaria elimination efforts are lacking, as are data on care-seeking behaviour of patients in the private health sector. This study sought to describe the role of private health sector providers, care-seeking behaviour of individuals at high risk of malaria, and possible means of engaging the private health sector in Hispaniola’s malaria elimination efforts. Methods In-depth interviews with 26 key informants (e.g. government officials), 62 private providers, and 63 patients of private providers, as well as 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members, were conducted within seven study sites in Haiti and the DR. FGDs focused on local definitions of the private health sector and identified private providers for interview recruitment, while interviews focused on private health sector participation in malaria elimination activities and treatment-seeking behaviour of febrile individuals. Results Interviews revealed that self-medication is the most common first step in the trajectory of care for fevers in both Haiti and the DR. Traditional medicine is more commonly used in Haiti than in the DR, with many patients seeking care from traditional healers before, during, and/or after care in the formal health sector. Private providers were interested in participating in malaria elimination efforts but emphasized the need for ongoing support and training. Key informants agreed that the private health sector needs to be engaged, especially traditional healers in Haiti. The Haitian migrant population was reported to be one of the most at-risk groups by participants from both countries. Conclusion Malaria elimination efforts across Hispaniola could be enhanced by engaging traditional healers in Haiti and other private providers with ongoing support and trainings; directing educational messaging to encourage proper treatment-seeking behaviour; and refining cross-border strategies for surveillance of the high-risk migrant population. Increasing distribution of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and bi-therapy to select private health sector facilities, accompanied by adopting regulatory policies, could help increase numbers of reported and correctly treated malaria cases.

scholarly journals Women's Mental Health in the Time of Covid-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florence Thibaut ◽  
Patricia J. M. van Wijngaarden-Cremers
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Violence Against Women ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Subject ◽  
At Home

Even if the fatality rate has been twice higher for men than for women, the Covid-19 pandemic has affected women more than men, both as frontline workers and at home. The aim of our article was to analyze the differences observed in mental health and violence between men and women in the COVID outbreak. For this purpose, we have used all papers available in PubMed between January and July 2020 as well as data from non-governmental associations. We have thus successively analyzed the situation of pregnancy during the pandemic; the specific psychological and psychiatric risks faced by women both as patients and as workers in the health sector, the increased risk of violence against women at home and at workplace and, finally the risk run by children within their families. In conclusion, research on the subject of mental health issues during the Covid-19 pandemic is still scarce, especially in women. We hope that this pandemic will help to recognize the major role of women at home and at the workplace.

scholarly journals A new look for Australian Health Review

2004 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Judith Dwyer ◽  
Sandra G Leggat
Keyword(s):  
Policy Decision ◽  
Volume Number ◽  
Australian Health ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
Review Editor ◽  
Medical Publishing ◽  
Health Review ◽  
New Look

WE ARE DELIGHTED to welcome you to the new look of the Journal. In recognition of the importance of Australian Health Review to management and policy decision makers in Australia, the Australian Healthcare Association has initiated some major changes to assist us to better meet our readers? needs. The journal is now being produced with the support of AMPCo, the Australasian Medical Publishing Company. The changes in print format and presentation of papers will be accompanied by a more interactive website, and authors and reviewers will soon notice a more streamlined editorial and production process. It is also a pleasure to welcome Mr Gary Day, of the Queensland University of Technology, to the new role of book review editor for the journal. Gary's appointment will enable the journal to include more regular coverage of significant books and reports. The librarians and archivists among our readers will note that we have started a new volume (number 28) for the occasion. Volume 28 will have three issues, which, combined with those in volume 27, will make 5 issues for 2004. The next volume (number 29) will start in 2005.

scholarly journals An Overview of Spiritual Health and Experts` Viewpoints Concerning the Role of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in Its Excellence in Community

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Akbar Haghdoost ◽  
Bagher Larijani ◽  
Mohammad Hossein Nicknam ◽  
Reza Dehnavieh ◽  
Monireh Balochi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Sector ◽  
Spiritual Health ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Theoretical Concepts ◽  
Assessment And Evaluation ◽  
Spiritual Dimension ◽  
Medical Population ◽  
The Subject

The spiritual dimension of health is the subject of much controversy; since it is not seen as a purely scientific and quantifiable aspect of health. However, it is exactly this quality of spiritual health that makes the thorough examination of the concept worthwhile. Furthermore, a comprehensive assessment of the theoretical concepts associated with it should be prioritized. The present study is a combination of a literature review followed by a series of expert interviews. First, articles addressing the different aspects of spiritual health were identified and acquired from academic databases. After a thorough assessment and evaluation, the findings were listed and prioritized in order to determine the most important aspects of spiritual health. Then, the most significant features were specified and interpreted. The interpretations were then sent to a group of experts for assessment and evaluation. The expert reviews and comments were then collected and analyzed in order to refine and improve the primary interpretations. The responsibilities of the health sector do not end with the provision and maintenance of the physical aspects of health or even the non-medical population. It includes not only promoting spiritual health in health sector graduates and personnel, but also conducting profound scientific studies, providing documentation, and interpreting the evidence for beneficiaries. However, establishing a new university major to train professionals exclusively for pursuing this objective and even adding new university credits in this field does not seem to be necessary from the point of view of experts and studies. In addition to providing the education necessary for students and personnel of each organization, providing adequate spiritual health and promoting the essential education and related skills are also the responsibilities of the health sector. Instead, it is suggested that an active secretariat be established to oversee the promotion of spiritual health in all sectors using the minimum independent facilities and manpower.

An Analysis of Users’ Perceptions on Health Facilities in Mumbai

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiral Sheth
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Public Health Services ◽  
Policy Objective ◽  
Private Health Sector ◽  
The Government ◽  
High Level

The new challenges of globalisation have made it essential to achieve and sustain a high level of efficiency in the provision of healthcare. Even though the Government of Maharashtra clearly views assuring efficiency and providing public health services to the people as an important policy objective, data reveals that the amount of resources spent on public healthcare especially public hospitals is very meagre as compared to the needs of the population. This study attempts to understand the shift from public to the private health sector by the users of health services in the city of Mumbai. This changing trend towards increasing use of private hospitals for healthcare services was analysed to understand the specific reasons behind the privatisation of health services in this metropolitan city. Using primary survey, the analysis revealed that majority of the users preferred private hospital services due to various reasons like cleanliness, better infrastructure, efficient and competent doctors and other staff. The results also indicated significant inefficiencies in the functioning of the public hospitals as noted from the responses of the users.

scholarly journals An Exploration of the Role of Hospital Committees to Enhance Productivity

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Amirabadi zadeh ◽  
Mohammad Reza Maleki ◽  
Masoud Salehi ◽  
Soudabeh Watankhah
Keyword(s):  
Public Hospitals ◽  
P Value ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Private Hospitals ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Capital Cities ◽  
Process Feedback ◽  
And Performance

<p>Productivity is the main concern of hospitals as organizations providing health services. As the role of hospital committees is increasing and their productivity and performance improvement is very important, the present study was performed to identify weaknesses and strengths of committee sessions. This analytical-descriptive study was conducted cross- sectional from January to April in 2012. Summary of 405 committee session’s agendas related to 11 kinds of committees in 8 hospitals (out of 23 hospitals) of capital cities in 3 provinces of Sistan and Balouchestan, South Khorasan and Khorasan Razavi in Iran were extracted. Data<strong> </strong>was collected through a form and was analyzed by SPSS16 software using descriptive statistics and variance analysis and content analysis technique. This study showed that the number of hospital committee's sessions holding in 2012 was more than 2011.The differences between public and private hospitals in terms of the following subjects were significant (P-Value &lt; 0.001). In terms of the number of selected policies, participants of the committees, and the duration of the sessions the public hospitals had better conditions. And regarding documentation process, feedback of decisions to personnel and the implementation of the formulated policies in the committees, private hospitals performed better. According to the results of this study, to improve the productivity of hospital committees, it is suggested to motivate senior, tactical and operational managers to appropriately participate in the committees and necessary planning for the committees in advance is mandatory.</p>

The Design and Implementation of a Management Information System for Australian Public Hospitals

1989 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 176-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes U. Stoelwinder ◽  
Margaret A. Abernethy
Keyword(s):  
Diagnosis Related Groups ◽  
Management Information Systems ◽  
Resource Control ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Organisational Structure ◽  
Management Information ◽  
Patient Costs ◽  
Funding Mechanisms ◽  
Future Hospital

Existing management information systems (MIS) in hospitals are often inadequate. This has occurred because of a variety of antecedents, including past funding mechanisms, organisational structure and the accepted role of management. A variety of new pressures, including demands for increased accountability, greater resource control and changing relationships between physicians and hospitals are demanding improved MIS to enable the hospital to manage. This paper explores these influences on past and future hospital MIS. It describes the design of a MIS that enables patient care to be costed in clinically meaningful ways. Patient costs may be aggregated to cost specific diagnoses and procedures, Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG), a clinician's case load, a clinical unit or a division. The information can be used for clinical budgeting, flexible budgeting, utilisation review and quality assurance.

scholarly journals Editorial

1995 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
Heather Gardner
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Continuity Of Care ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Community Health Services ◽  
Continuing Care ◽  
Australian Health ◽  
Primary Health

The advent of the Australian Journal of Primary Health - Interchange reflects the changes which are taking place in the Australian health sector and the increased and increasing importance of primary health care and community health services. The significant role of primary care in maintaining health and enhancing wellbeing is at last being recognised, and the relationships between primary care, continuing care, and acute care are being redefined and the connections made, so that improvement in continuity of care can be achieved.

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