Health Care Services and EU Competition Law

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Okeoghene Odudu
Keyword(s):  
Market Power ◽  
Healthcare Service ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Competition Law ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
System Matrix ◽  
Member States ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Care Services

This chapter investigates how, within a number of European Union (EU) Member States, competition law has been used to address problems of market power in the healthcare services sector. It summarizes the relevant EU and national competition laws and considers the experience of applying those laws to providers of healthcare services. The chapter is chiefly concerned with healthcare services in England, although examples are drawn for other EU Member States. Examination of the English experience provides a view of the use of competition law to address market power problems in most elements of the health system matrix. The chapter then considers three challenges that emerge from that experience of using competition law to address problems of market power in healthcare service markets. The first challenges the applicability of competition law to healthcare service providers operating in each or every element of the healthcare system matrix. The second, accepting applicability, questions the appropriateness of the substantive rules to healthcare services. The third, a battle of authority and autonomy, considers whether decisions made by healthcare service providers should be subject to external review and the type of review that competition law offers.

scholarly journals Investigating the Factors Affecting Health Services Utilization in Hepatitis B Patients of Yazd City in 2017

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raziyeh Montazeralfaraj ◽  
Mohsen Pakdaman ◽  
Hossein Fallahzad ◽  
Masoudeh Mojahed ◽  
Mahdi Ghadiri Atabak
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Counseling Services ◽  
Care Services

Background: We can achieve a clear picture of the demands for services and the ways to respond to them by examining the status of health care services in patients with hepatitis B. In this way, we can minimize the gap between the promotion and improvement of the performance of service providers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the utilization of healthcare services in patients with hepatitis B. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 464 patients with hepatitis B who were selected by simple random sampling using a researcher-made questionnaire containing 20 items, according to the study variables. We entered the data into the Excel software and analyzed them by STATA 13 software using descriptive statistical tests and linear regression. Results: There was a significance association between the utilization of education and counseling services, specialist visits, clinical services, and the place of provision of services. In addition, the utilization of education and counseling services had a significant association with the supplemental insurance and the incidence of hepatitis B in the family. A significance relationship was also observed between the number of visits to the specialist and the type of occupation, educational level, and duration of diagnosis. Utilization of inpatient cares had a significant relationship with the place of residence and the basic insurance status. Conclusion: Generally, the rate of visits to access the healthcare services is low among patients with hepatitis B. Considering the fact that this disease is special, we suggest the authorities to provide health care services in three preventive levels free of charge (by providing a health insurance card for the patients). Furthermore, the government needs to implement the national health insurance (NHI) and therefore does not receive the franchise. Patients should refer to specialist according to the general practitioner's opinion. They also should have access to the services during the evening.   Key words: Utilization of health services, Hepatitis B, Specific Patients

Toward establishing telepsychology guideline: Turning the challenges of COVID-19 into opportunity (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed M. J. Alqahtani
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Psychological Services ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Governance Model ◽  
Provision Of Services ◽  
Temporary Response

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has obstructed the classical practices of psychological assessment and intervention via face-to-face interaction. Patients and all health professionals have been forced to isolate and become innovative to continue receiving and providing exceptional healthcare services while minimizing the risk of exposure to, or transmission of, COVID-19. OBJECTIVE This document is proposed initially as a guide to the extraordinary implementation of telepsychology in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and to extend its implementation to use fundamentally as the main guideline for telepsychology services in Saudi Arabia and other Arabic communities. METHODS A professional task force representing different areas of professional psychology reviewed, summarized, and documented methods, policies, procedures, and other resources to ensure that the recommendations and evidence reviews were valid and consistent with best practices. RESULTS The practice of telepsychology involves the consideration of legal and professional requirements. This paper provides a guideline and recommendations for procedural changes that are necessary to address psychological services as we transition to telepsychology, as well as elucidates and demonstrates practical telepsychology frameworks, procedures, and proper recommendations for the provision of services during COVID-19. It adds a focused examination and discussion related to factors that could influence the telemedicine guideline, such as culture, religion, legal matters, and how clinical psychologists could expand their telepsychology practice during COVID-19 and after, seeking to produce broadly applicable guidelines for the practice of telepsychology. Professional steps in practical telemedicine were illustrated in tables and examples. CONCLUSIONS Telepsychology is not a luxury or a temporary response. Rather, it should be considered part of a proactive governance model to secure a continuity of mental health care services. Arabic communities could benefit from this guideline to telepsychology as an essential protocol for providing mental health services during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Modelling improved efficiency in healthcare referral systems for the urban poor using a geo-referenced health facility data: the case of Sylhet City Corporation, Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alayne M. Adams ◽  
Rushdia Ahmed ◽  
Shakil Ahmed ◽  
Sifat Shahana Yusuf ◽  
Rubana Islam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Urban Poor ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Referral Systems ◽  
Alternative Scenarios

Abstract Background An effective referral system is critical to ensuring access to appropriate and timely healthcare services. In pluralistic healthcare systems such as Bangladesh, referral inefficiencies due to distance, diversion to inappropriate facilities and unsuitable hours of service are common, particularly for the urban poor. This study explores the reported referral networks of urban facilities and models alternative scenarios that increase referral efficiency in terms of distance and service hours. Methods Road network and geo-referenced facility census data from Sylhet City Corporation were used to examine referral linkages between public, private and NGO facilities for maternal and emergency/critical care services, respectively. Geographic distances were calculated using ArcGIS Network Analyst extension through a “distance matrix” which was imported into a relational database. For each reported referral linkage, an alternative referral destination was identified that provided the same service at a closer distance as indicated by facility geo-location and distance analysis. Independent sample t-tests with unequal variances were performed to analyze differences in distance for each alternate scenario modelled. Results The large majority of reported referrals were received by public facilities. Taking into account distance, cost and hours of service, alternative scenarios for emergency services can augment referral efficiencies by 1.5–1.9 km (p < 0.05) compared to 2.5–2.7 km in the current scenario. For maternal health services, modeled alternate referrals enabled greater referral efficiency if directed to private and NGO-managed facilities, while still ensuring availability after working-hours. These referral alternatives also decreased the burden on Sylhet City’s major public tertiary hospital, where most referrals were directed. Nevertheless, associated costs may be disadvantageous for the urban poor. Conclusions For both maternal and emergency/critical care services, significant distance reductions can be achieved for public, NGO and private facilities that avert burden on Sylhet City’s largest public tertiary hospital. GIS-informed analyses can help strengthen coordination between service providers and contribute to more effective and equitable referral systems in Bangladesh and similar countries.

scholarly journals Access and participation: What factors influence the provision and utilisation of health care services by children with learning disabilities?

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S452-S452
Author(s):  
A. Rebowska
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Young People ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Wide Range

AimsThe aim of this literature review is to explore the range of factors that influence the degree of access to health care services by children and young people with learning disabilities.BackgroundChildren with learning disabilities are at increased risk of a wide range of health conditions comparing with their peers. However, recent reports by UK government as well as independent charities working with children and young people with learning disabilities demonstrated that they are at risk of poor health outcomes as a result of barriers preventing them from accessing most appropriate services.MethodsComprehensive searches were conducted in six databases. Articles were also obtained through review of references, a search of the grey literature, and contacting experts in the field. The inclusion criteria were for studies evaluating access to healthcare services, identification and communication of health needs, organisational aspects impacting on access and utilisation, staff attitudes where they impacted on access, barriers, discrimination in patients with intellectual disabilities age 0–18. The literature search identified a sample of 36 papers. The marked heterogeneity of studies excluded conducting a meta-analysis.ResultsBarriers to access included problems with identification of healthcare needs by carers and healthcare professionals, communication difficulties, the inadequacy of facilities, geographical and physical barriers, organisational factors such as inflexible appointment times, attitudes and poor knowledge base of healthcare staff.ConclusionThe factors identified can serve as a guide for managers and clinicians aiming to improve access to their healthcare services for children and young people with intellectual disabilities.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Current situation and capacity to deliver healthcare services at grassroots level in Minh Hoa district, Quang Binh province

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 27-34
Author(s):  
Dang Thanh Nam ◽  
Nguyen Thi Thuy Duong ◽  
Phan Le Thu Hang ◽  
Tham Chi Dung
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
National Standard ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Disease Pattern ◽  
Grassroots Level

Strengthening the health care system at grassroots level is a top priority of the Vietnam Government agenda at the present. Recently, the overall system has been improved, however the capacity to deliver healthcare services, especially primary health care was still facing to many shortcomings. The study aimed to assess the current situation and capacity to deliver health care services at grassroots level. All health care facilities in the Minh Hoa district, Quang Binh province in 2018 were selected, included Minh Hoa District Hospital (DHs) and 16 Commune Health Center (CHCs). The results showed that the disease patterns tended to primarily concentrate on the illness which weres related to the human lifestyle and health behaviors such as living habits, eating unhealthy food, stress and also natural environment. Utilization of the curative services increased over the year, especially the laboratory testing and health examination services. However, the facility infrastructures did not meet the national standard. The function rooms in the facilities being degraded and damaged remained at high proportion which were required to renovate. The facilities lacked of large number of essential equipment and materials. In order to strengthen the capacity to deliver the health care services, the study recommended to invest to standardize infrastructure, provision of essential equipment, materials and drugs in correspondent to the disease pattern.

Umowy o udzielanie świadczeń opieki zdrowotnej zawierane przez Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia (leczenie w ramach ubezpieczenia zdrowotnego) a leczenie na zasadach komercyjnych. Implikacje prawne i praktyczne

2021 ◽  
pp. 141-151
Author(s):  
Paweł Lipowski
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Legal Status ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Public Payer ◽  
Universal Health

The aim of this study is to identify the legal characteristics of contracts for the health care services provided by a public payer, i.e. the National Health Fund (NFZ) as part of treatment covered by universal health insurance, as compared to those provided by the health care providers with public or private legal status. This issue is discussed in relation to the legal conditions for the treatment of patients on a commercial basis in those institutions (private or public) which have contracts for the provision of healthcare services under the general health insurance (so-called contracts). The discussion is presented based on author’s own observations, resulting both from his scientific studies in the field of medical law and his work in various entities operating in the health care system.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Patterns of Use of Emergency Oral Contraception among Portuguese Female Users of Healthcare Services

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (13) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ângela Rodrigues ◽  
Bruno Valentim ◽  
Daniel Tavares ◽  
Maria João Augusto ◽  
Jorge Campelo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Contraception ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Time Range ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Unprotected Sexual Intercourse ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Introduction: The lack of knowledge about the existence, effectiveness, and supply of emergency contraception as well as access to it, its effective duration and the lack of recognition of the need for its use can prevent women from using it. The aim of this study was to ascertain the attitudes, experience, level of knowledge and information sources about emergency contraception of Portuguese female users of healthcare services.Material and Methods: We conducted a multicentre, cross-sectional, observational study among 280 Portuguese women users of health care services through an original and anonymous questionnaire composed of 30 questions.Results: The mean age of the women who replied to the questionnaire was 33.83 ± 8.76 years. Of the observed sample, 27.7% used EC, 50% of whom with no counselling. Despite 92.1% of women claiming knowledge about emergency contraception, only 31.2% of these answered 8 - 10 questions correctly (14 in total). The media were the most frequent source of information (63.4%). Most participants (67.5%) considered that emergency contraception is associated with severe adverse reactions. Furthermore, 76% did not know the time range of effectiveness after unprotected sexual intercourse. Youngest age (p = 0.038), higher education level (p < 0.001), increasing parity (p = 0.051) and previous use of emergency contraception (p = 0.011) were identified as the determinant sociodemographic factors for a higher level of knowledge about emergency contraception.Discussion: The use of emergency contraception after counselling by healthcare professionals was lower than reported in the literature.Conclusion: This study showed that female users of healthcare services were aware of the existence of emergency contraception, but they demonstrated a low level of knowledge about it, especially regarding the correct period of use, place of acquisition and safety issues.

Customer Value Dimensions in E-Healthcare Services

2018 ◽  
pp. 42-55
Author(s):  
Kirsti Lindberg-Repo ◽  
Apramey Dube
Keyword(s):  
Value Creation ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Customer Value ◽  
Healthcare Service ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Customer Expectations ◽  
Temporal Aspect ◽  
Narrative Techniques

Healthcare services have been extensively researched for customer value creation activities. There has been, however, limited attention on the dimensions of customer value, as reported by customers themselves, in e-healthcare services. The purpose of this paper is to investigate customer value dimensions in which customers experience e-healthcare services. Narrative techniques were used to investigate customer experiences of e-healthcare services offered by eight private Finnish providers. The findings show that customers evaluate e-healthcare services in four value dimensions: 1) The outcome of e-healthcare service (‘What'), 2) The process of e-healthcare service (‘How'), 3) The responsiveness and temporal aspect of e-healthcare service (‘When'), and, 4) The location of e-healthcare service provision (‘Where'). The value dimensions reflect customer expectations that service providers can fulfill for improved customer value creation. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is one of the first researches to investigate customer value dimensions in e-healthcare services in Finland.

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