scholarly journals Is value-based payment for healthcare feasible under Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme?

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yussif Issahaku ◽  
Andrea Thoumi ◽  
Gilbert Abotisem Abiiro ◽  
Osondu Ogbouji ◽  
Justice Nonvignon

Abstract Background Effective payment mechanisms for healthcare are critical to the quality of care and the efficiency and responsiveness of health systems to meet specific population health needs. Since its inception, Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has adopted fee-for-service, diagnostic-related groups and capitation methods, which have contributed to provider reimbursement delays, rising costs and poor quality of care rendered to the scheme’s clients. The aim of this study was to explore stakeholder perceptions of the feasibility of value-based payment (VBP) for healthcare in Ghana. Value-based payment refers to a system whereby healthcare providers are paid for the value of services rendered to patients instead of the volume of services. Methods This study employed a cross-sectional qualitative design. National-level stakeholders were purposively selected for in-depth interviews. The participants included policy-makers (n = 4), implementers (n = 5), public health insurers (n = 3), public and private healthcare providers (n = 7) and civil society organization officers (n = 1). Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data analysis was performed using both deductive and inductive thematic analysis. The data were analysed using QSR NVivo 12 software. Results Generally, participants perceived VBP to be feasible if certain supporting systems were in place and potential implementation constraints were addressed. Although the concept of VBP was widely accepted, study participants reported that efficient resource management, provider motivation incentives and community empowerment were required to align VBP to the Ghanaian context. Weak electronic information systems and underdeveloped healthcare infrastructure were seen as challenges to the integration of VBP into the Ghanaian health system. Therefore, improvement of existing systems beyond healthcare, including public education, politics, data, finance, regulation, planning, infrastructure and stakeholder attitudes towards VBP, will affect the overall feasibility of VBP in Ghana. Conclusion Value-based payment could be a feasible policy option for the NHIS in Ghana if potential implementation challenges such as limited financial and human resources and underdeveloped health system infrastructure are addressed. Governmental support and provider capacity-building are therefore essential for VBP implementation in Ghana. Future feasibility and acceptability studies will need to consider community and patient perspectives.

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 485-491
Author(s):  
Nel Jason L Haw

Abstract Objective To determine the association between the utilization of the Ghana National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and patient perceptions of quality of care. Methods Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) 2014 had 19 questions on perceptions of quality of care received during the last reported health visit (n = 4332). These questions were summarized into an overall 100-point perception score using item response theory (IRT). Patients were divided into three utilization categories: those paying with their NHIS card fully, those paying with their card and out-of-pocket (OOP), and those paying fully OOP. A multiple linear regression model was used to measure the association between NHIS utilization and overall perception. Results In general, NHIS utilization was negatively associated with overall perception, and the difference across utilization categories was higher among private facility users than public facility users. Among private facilities, those who paid fully with NHIS reported five points lower than those who paid fully OOP (P = 0.005). Among public facilities, the difference is only 1.7 (P = 0.4342). Conclusion NHIS utilization was a negative predictor for patient perceptions, but the differences are more nuanced according to type of facility. Future GDHS rounds should continue measuring perceptions in aid of policy to improve service delivery under the NHIS.


Author(s):  
Sailendra Thapa ◽  
Puspa Acharya ◽  
Durga Khadka Mishra

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Out of Pocket Expenditure has always been a primary means of financing health care service in Nepal. National Health Insurance Scheme ensures universal health coverage by addressing the unregulated out-of-pocket spending and providing quality of health service.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the enrollees of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Bharatpur Metropolitan City of Chitwan district. Focused Group Discussions were conducted among enrollees to assess the perception towards National Health Insurance Scheme. The qualitative data were analyzed as thematic analysis technique.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Perception towards National Health Insurance Scheme was categorized as perceived quality of care, perceived benefit and provider’s behavior. Respondents were fully satisfied with the premium charge. Availability of drugs was improved but the waiting time and the process of registration was lengthy and full of jargons. Most of the participants perceived that due to less number of service providers or due to inability of allocating separate provider for ensured persons, the consultation time was very less which further affects the quality of care. Enrollment Assistants were considered as primary source of information regarding the NHIS.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Long waiting time, difficulty during registration and less number of service providers remain challenge to receive quality of care under NHIS. Participants perceived that the benefit package under affordable premium charge is in favor of them. Addressing these factors in expansion of this program in other district might leads for success of this scheme.</p><p align="center"> </p>


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sailendra Thapa ◽  
Puspa Acharya ◽  
Durga Khadka Mishra

Abstract Background Out of Pocket Expenditure has always been a primary means of financing health care service in Nepal. National Health Insurance Scheme ensures universal health coverage by addressing the unregulated out-of-pocket spending and providing quality of health service.Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the enrollees of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Bharatpur Metropolitan City of Chitwan district. Focused Group Discussions were conducted among enrollees to assess the perception towards National Health Insurance Scheme. The qualitative data were analyzed as thematic analysis technique. Results: Perception towards National Health Insurance Scheme was categorized as perceived quality of care, perceived benefit and provider’s behavior. Respondents were fully satisfied with the premium charge. Availability of drugs was improved but the waiting time and the process of registration was lengthy and full of jargons. Most of the participants perceived that due to less number of service providers or due to inability of allocating separate provider for ensured persons, the consultation time was very less which further affects the quality of care. Enrollment Assistants were considered as primary source of information regarding the NHIS.Conclusion Long waiting time, difficulty during registration and less number of service providers remain challenge to receive quality of care under NHIS. Participants perceived that the benefit package under affordable premium charge is in favor of them. Addressing these factors in expansion of this program in other district might leads for success of this scheme.


2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 569-587
Author(s):  
Michael Kodom ◽  
Adobea Yaa Owusu ◽  
Perpetual Nancy Baidoo Kodom

Ghana implemented the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in 2005 with the intention of providing residents with quality affordable healthcare. Over the past few years, concerns have been raised about the quality of healthcare clients receive. This study assesses the experiences of NHIS subscribers with the quality of care they receive under the scheme by both private and public hospitals. The results from the 56 interviews show that the majority of the subscribers were dissatisfied with the overall quality of healthcare they received in both private and public hospital because of the long waiting hours, the poor attitude of nurses and the demand for payment of additional money. Even though clients who visited the private hospital paid for all services, excluding consultation, their level of satisfaction with the quality of healthcare was relatively higher than those who visited the public hospital. The paper concludes that NHIS clients do not receive the quality of healthcare the scheme promised, and this has implications for premium renewals and health-seeking behaviour.


Health ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 08 (14) ◽  
pp. 1630-1644
Author(s):  
Ishola Babatunde Omotowo ◽  
Uchechukwu Enuma Ezeoke ◽  
Ikechukwu Emmanuel Obi ◽  
Benjamin S. Chudi Uzochukwu ◽  
Chike Chuka Agunwa ◽  
...  

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