1
|
Gao Y, Yang Y, Wang S, Zhang W, Lu J. Has China's hierarchical medical system improved doctor-patient relationships? HEALTH ECONOMICS REVIEW 2024; 14:54. [PMID: 39023676 PMCID: PMC11256484 DOI: 10.1186/s13561-024-00520-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Developing harmonious doctor-patient relationships is a powerful way to promote the construction of a new pattern of medical reform in developing countries. We aim to analyze the effects of China's hierarchical medical system on doctor-patient relationships, thus contributing to China's medical and health system reform. METHODS With panel data on prefectural-level cities in China from 2012 to 2019, we used a time-varying difference-in-differences model to evaluate the effect of hierarchical medical treatment policy. RESULTS Hierarchical medical treatment policies can significantly improve doctor-patient relationships, and this conclusion is supported by various robustness tests. And improving doctor-patient relationships can be indirectly realized by the optimization of resource allocation and saving of medical costs. In addition, the marginal effect of the pilot policy on doctor-patient relationships decreased with age within the city population. In focal cities and cities with high levels of fiscal spending on health care, the effect of the pilot policy on doctor-patient relationships was stronger. CONCLUSION While reinforcing the literature on the doctor-patient relationship, this study also provides a reference for further exploration of the pilot policy of hierarchical medical treatment and the development of new medical and health system reform in developing countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- School of Economics and Management, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- School of Economics, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Yang Yang
- School of Economics, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Shoupeng Wang
- School of Economics and Management, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenqian Zhang
- School of Economics, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Jiao Lu
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xianning West Road 28#, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang W, Su M, Li D, Yang F, Li Z. The association between family doctor contract services and the health of middle-aged and older people in China: an instrumental variables analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16229. [PMID: 39004624 PMCID: PMC11247085 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65621-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous research on the association between Family Doctor Contract Services (FDCS) and health has only considered a single indicator of health and has not considered the endogeneity of independent variables. This study aimed to evaluate the association from a multidimensional perspective of the health of middle-aged and older people using the instrumental variables method and determine the underlying mechanisms. Using data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study surveys, a total of 19,438 sample was obtained. Health was measured by health related-quality of life (HR-QoL), subjective well-being, and cognitive function. The instrumental variables method was used to estimate the association. Mediation analysis was employed to analyze the underlying mechanisms. The results of the instrumental variables method showed a correlation between FDCS and health, such as HR-QoL (η = 33.714, p < 0.01), subjective well-being (η = 1.106, p < 0.05), and cognitive function (η = 4.133, p < 0.05). However, we found no evidence that FDCS improved physical health. We also identified reduced utilization of healthcare services and increased social activities as mediators of the effect of FDCS on health. The Chinese government should improve incentive-based initiatives to improve the quality of FDCS. Moreover, more attention needs to be paid to the multidimensional health of middle-aged and older people, especially vulnerable groups, such as older individuals and those in rural areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weile Zhang
- School of Public Administration, Inner Mongolia University, Zhaojun Road, Yuquan District, Hohhot, 010070, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Min Su
- School of Public Administration, Inner Mongolia University, Zhaojun Road, Yuquan District, Hohhot, 010070, Inner Mongolia, China.
| | - Dongxu Li
- School of Public Administration, Inner Mongolia University, Zhaojun Road, Yuquan District, Hohhot, 010070, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Fan Yang
- School of Public Administration, Inner Mongolia University, Zhaojun Road, Yuquan District, Hohhot, 010070, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Zhengrong Li
- School of Public Administration, Inner Mongolia University, Zhaojun Road, Yuquan District, Hohhot, 010070, Inner Mongolia, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gu S, Du X, Li S, Han D, Wu Y, Zhao J, Zhang M, Wang J. A Longitudinal Study on the Relationship Between Family Size and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living: The Masking Effect of Depressive Symptoms. Res Gerontol Nurs 2024; 17:165-175. [PMID: 39047226 DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20240626-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE According to use and disuse theory, the decreasing size of families in China may have a considerable influence on older adults' health. However, research on the associations among family size, depression, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in this population is limited. Thus, the current study examined the role of depression on the impact of family size on IADL and explored the differences between urban and rural areas. METHOD Mediation analyses were performed with data from 7,290 older adults aged ≥60 years from the Harmonized China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018, using stepwise regression and bootstrap methods. RESULTS Family size had a positive impact on IADL limitations of older adults (0.29, p < 0.01), and the masking effects of depressive symptoms had a partial effect of family size on older adults' IADL. However, these effects only exist in rural areas. CONCLUSION Providing emotional support through psychological counseling and guiding caregivers to provide moderate care support is crucial, particularly in rural areas, for alleviating depressive symptoms due to changes in family size and maintaining independent living skills among older adults. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17(4), 165-175.].
Collapse
|
4
|
Lin C, Lin H. Impact of mobile Internet use on health-seeking behaviors: evidence from China. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1403877. [PMID: 38966701 PMCID: PMC11222596 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1403877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although health-seeking behaviors are crucial to China's healthcare delivery system, the influence of mobile Internet use in this context remains under-explored. This study aimed to comprehensively explore the influence of mobile Internet use on health-seeking behaviors, and meticulously examined the heterogeneity in health outcomes associated with the intersection between mobile Internet use and health-seeking behaviors. Methods We used nationally representative data derived from the China Family Panel Studies. Given that individuals typically make the decision to use mobile Internet autonomously, an instrumental variable regression methodology was adopted to mitigate potential selection biases. Results Our findings revealed that mobile Internet use significantly promoted self-medication and adversely affected the use of primary care facilities among Chinese adults. Furthermore, our findings highlighted the heterogeneous effects of mobile Internet use across diverse health demographic groups. Conclusion These findings underscore the importance of strategic planning and utilizing mobile Internet resources to steer individuals toward more appropriate healthcare-seeking behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- ChenLei Lin
- School of Public Administration and Law, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhao Y, Peng Z, Zhou Z, Zhai X, Gong S, Shen C, Zhang T, Zhao D, Cao D. The Impact of Air Pollution Controls on Health and Health Inequity Among Middle-Aged and Older Chinese: Evidence From Panel Data. Int J Public Health 2024; 69:1606956. [PMID: 38948086 PMCID: PMC11211253 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2024.1606956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives We evaluated the long-term effects of air pollution controls on health and health inequity among Chinese >45 years of age. Methods Data were derived from the China Health Aging and Retirement Longitudinal Survey and the China National Environmental Monitoring Centre. Decreases in PM2.5 and PM10 were scaled to measure air quality controls. We used a quasi-experimental design to estimate the impact of air quality controls on self-reported health and health inequity. Health disparities were estimated using the concentration index and the horizontal index. Results Air pollution controls significantly improved self-reported health by 20% (OR 1.20, 95% CI, 1.02-1.42). The poorest group had a 40% (OR 1.41, 95% CI, 0.96-2.08) higher probability of having excellent self-reported health after air pollution controls. A pro-rich health inequity was observed, and the horizontal index decreased after air pollution controls. Conclusion Air pollution controls have a long-term positive effect on health and health equity. The poorest population are the main beneficiaries of air pollution controls, which suggests policymakers should make efforts to reduce health inequity in air pollution controls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Zhao
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zixuan Peng
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhongliang Zhou
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhai
- School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | | | - Chi Shen
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tianci Zhang
- College of Computing and Information Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Dantong Zhao
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dan Cao
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zeng Z, Luo Y, Tao W, Zhang R, Zeng B, Yao J, Zhang W. Improving access to primary health care through financial innovation in rural China: a quasi-experimental synthetic difference-in-differences approach. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2024; 25:195. [PMID: 38824504 PMCID: PMC11143622 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02450-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inadequate financing constrains primary healthcare (PHC) capacity in many low- and middle-income countries, particularly in rural areas. This study evaluates an innovative PHC financing reform in rural China that aimed to improve access to healthcare services through supply-side integration and the establishment of a designated PHC fund. METHODS We employed a quasi-experimental synthetic difference-in-differences (SDID) approach to analyze county-level panel data from Chongqing Province, China, spanning from 2009 to 2018. The study compared the impact of the reform on PHC access and per capita health expenditures in Pengshui County with 37 other control counties (districts). We assessed the reform's impact on two key outcomes: the share of outpatient visits at PHC facilities and per capita total PHC expenditure. RESULTS The reform led to a significant increase in the share of outpatient visits at PHC facilities (14.92% points; 95% CI: 6.59-23.24) and an increase in per capita total PHC expenditure (87.30 CNY; 95% CI: 3.71-170.88) in Pengshui County compared to the synthetic control. These effects were robust across alternative model specifications and increased in magnitude over time, highlighting the effectiveness of the integrated financing model in enhancing PHC capacity and access in rural China. CONCLUSIONS This research presents compelling evidence demonstrating that horizontal integration in PHC financing significantly improved utilization and resource allocation in rural primary care settings in China. This reform serves as a pivotal model for resource-limited environments, demonstrating how supply-side financing integration can bolster PHC and facilitate progress toward universal health coverage. The findings underscore the importance of sustainable financing mechanisms and the need for policy commitment to achieve equitable healthcare access.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zeng
- Institute of Hospital Management, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Office of Policy Research, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention & Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yunmei Luo
- Institute of Hospital Management, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenjuan Tao
- Institute of Hospital Management, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruiling Zhang
- Institute of Hospital Management, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bo Zeng
- Institute of Hospital Management, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianhong Yao
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.9, Dongdan Santiao, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37, Guoxue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xiao J, Huang S, Wang Q, Tan S, Chen L, Yuan H, Xiang D, Zhang B, Li X, Guo Y, Huang H, Li Q, Liao Y, Tan Y, Cheng Y, Lu H, Xu P. Sustainable Implementation of Physician-Pharmacist Collaborative Clinics for Diabetes Management in Primary Healthcare Centers: A Qualitative Study. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2024:10.1007/s44197-024-00244-2. [PMID: 38780894 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-024-00244-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although physician-pharmacist collaborative clinics for diabetes management have been shown to be effective and cost-effective worldwide, there is limited understanding of the factors that influence their sustainable implementation. This study aims to identify the associated factors and provide sustainability strategy to better implement physician-pharmacist collaborative clinics for diabetes management in primary healthcare centers in China. METHODS A sample of 43 participants were participated in face-to-face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used to identify facilitators and barriers to implementing physician-pharmacist collaborative clinics for diabetes management in primary healthcare centers, and to explore discriminating factors between low and high implementation units. A sustainable strategy repository based on dynamic sustainability framework was established to inform further implementation. RESULTS This study demonstrated that clear recognition of intervention benefits, urgent needs of patients, adaptive and tailored plan, highly collaborative teamwork and leadership support were the major facilitators, while the major barriers included process complexity, large number and poor health literacy of patients in primary areas, inappropriate staffing arrangements, weak financial incentives and inadequate staff competencies. Six constructs were identified to distinguish between high and low implementation units. Sixteen strategies were developed to foster the implementation of physician-pharmacist collaborative clinics, targeting Intervention, Practice setting, and Ecological system. CONCLUSION This qualitative study demonstrated facilitators and barriers to implementing physician-pharmacist collaborative clinics for diabetes management in primary healthcare centers and developed theory-based strategies for further promotion, which has the potential to improve the management of diabetes and other chronic diseases in under-resourced areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xiao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
| | - Shuting Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
| | - Shenglan Tan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
| | - Haiyan Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
| | - Daxiong Xiang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
| | - Bikui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Endocrine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Taoyuan People's Hospital, Changde, CN, China
| | - Haiying Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The People's Hospital of Liuyang, Changsha, CN, China
| | - Qun Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Huaihua, Huaihua, CN, China
| | - Yaqi Liao
- Department of Pharmacy, Taoyuan People's Hospital, Changde, CN, China
| | - Yuhan Tan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
| | - Yining Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China
| | - Hao Lu
- Intemed Hospital Management & Development (Beijing) Centre, Beijing, CN, China
| | - Ping Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China.
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, CN, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhao J, Zheng J. Effective policy research of county and township health sector integration in China: Empirical evidence from the difference-in-differences model. Soc Sci Med 2024; 348:116797. [PMID: 38547805 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Medical service fragmentation is a common problem worldwide, and many countries have adopted integration to solve the difficulty. Contrary to developed countries, developing countries such as China must consider how to implement integration under a relatively weak medical foundation. This study aims to evaluate the effect of the "Compact Union of County and Township Health Sectors" policy on the medical service capacity of a typical integration model represented by Shanxi Province in China and determine the path the policy followed. By using Shanxi's county-level medical integration as a quasi-natural experiment, this study establishes a difference-in-differences model to investigate the effect of the policy using official data. A series of tests are conducted to verify the robustness of the result. Finally, the policy pathway is tested. The results show that the third-level surgeries and outpatient service utilization of leading hospitals and township institutions increased. Still, inpatient service utilization and fourth-level surgeries did not show a significant change in either type of institution. Moreover, the enhancement of leading hospitals' service capacity comes mainly through improving asset efficiency and personal income, while the improvement of township institutions' capacity comes primarily through increased personal income. Compact integration of county-level medical institutions can stimulate and improve service capacity by improving asset efficiency and personal income, even with a weak medical foundation. However, to achieve continuous service capacity improvement, the professional level of county-level institutions must be strengthened with a superior hospital's assistance, and personnel's enthusiasm for active innovation must be cultivated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhao
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; Department of Planning and Finances, Pediatrics Hospital of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Jianzhong Zheng
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li H, Li L, Liu T, Tan M, He W, Luo Y, Zhong X, Zhang L, Sun J. Risk management and empirical study of the doctor-patient relationship: based on 1790 litigation cases of medical damage liability disputes in China. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:521. [PMID: 38664671 PMCID: PMC11044444 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10952-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compensation for medical damage liability disputes (CMDLD) seriously hinders the healthy development of hospitals and undermines the harmony of the doctor-patient relationships (DPR). Risk management in the DPR has become an urgent issue of the day. The study aims to provide a comprehensive description of CMDLD in China and explore its influencing factors, and make corresponding recommendations for the management of risks in the DPR. METHODS This study extracted data from the China Judgment Online - the official judicial search website with the most comprehensive coverage. Statistical analysis of 1,790 litigation cases of medical damage liability disputes (COMDLD) available from 2015 to 2021. RESULTS COMDLD generally tended to increase with the year and was unevenly distributed by regions; the compensation rate was 52.46%, the median compensation was 134,900 yuan and the maximum was 2,234,666 yuan; the results of the single factor analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between the compensation for different years, regions, treatment attributes, and trial procedures (P < 0.05); the correlation analysis showed that types of hospitals were significantly negatively associated with regions (R=-0.082, P < 0.05); trial procedures were significantly negatively correlated with years (R=-0.484, P < 0.001); compensat- ion was significantly positively correlated with years, regions, and treatment attributes (R = 0.098-0.294, P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with trial procedures (R=-0.090, P < 0.01); regression analysis showed that years, treatment attributes, and regions were the main factors affecting the CMDLD (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Years, regions, treatment attributes, and trial procedures affect the outcome of CMDLD. This paper further puts forward relevant suggestions and countermeasures for the governance of doctor-patient risks based on the empirical results. Including rational allocation of medical resources to narrow the differences between regions; promoting the expansion and sinking of high-quality resources to improve the level of medical services in hospitals at all levels; and developing a third-party negotiation mechanism for medical disputes to reduce the cost of medical litigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- School of Health Care Management, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Limin Li
- School of Health Care Management, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Tong Liu
- School of Health Care Management, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Meiqiong Tan
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Wanwan He
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Yuzhu Luo
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Xuerong Zhong
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Liping Zhang
- School of Marxism, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.
| | - Jiangjie Sun
- School of Health Care Management, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.
- School of Management, Hefei University of Technology, 230039, Hefei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhu LW, Wang RX, Zhang Y, Zhan JY, Lu HX, Chen X. A cost-effectiveness analysis of fluoride varnish application in preventing Root caries in elderly persons: a Markov simulation study. BMC Oral Health 2024; 24:483. [PMID: 38649858 PMCID: PMC11034159 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04226-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Root caries are prevalent issues that affect dental health, particularly among elderly individuals with exposed root surfaces. Fluoride therapy has shown effectiveness in preventing root caries, but limited studies have addressed its cost-effectiveness in elderly persons population. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a fluoride treatment program for preventing root caries in elderly persons within the context of Chinese public healthcare. METHODS A Markov simulation model was adopted for the cost-effectiveness analysis in a hypothetical scenario from a healthcare system perspective. A 60-year-old subject with 23 teeth was simulated for 20 years. A 5% sodium fluoride varnish treatment was compared with no preventive intervention in terms of effectiveness and cost. Tooth years free of root caries were set as the effect. Transition probabilities were estimated from the data of a community-based cohort and published studies, and costs were based on documents published by the government. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated to evaluate cost-effectiveness. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the influence of data uncertainty. RESULTS Fluoride treatment was more effective (with a difference of 10.20 root caries-free tooth years) but also more costly (with a difference of ¥1636.22). The ICER was ¥160.35 per root caries-free tooth year gained. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that the risk ratio of root caries in the fluoride treatment group influenced the result most. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, fluoride treatment was cost-effective in 70.5% of the simulated cases. CONCLUSIONS Regular 5% sodium fluoride varnish application was cost-effective for preventing root caries in the elderly persons in most scenarios with the consideration of data uncertainty, but to a limited extent. Improved public dental health awareness may reduce the incremental cost and make the intervention more cost-effective. Overall, the study shed light on the economic viability and impact of such preventive interventions, providing a scientific basis for dental care policies and healthcare resource allocation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Long-Wen Zhu
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui-Xin Wang
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Yu Zhan
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai-Xia Lu
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Su Q, Wang Y, Fan L. The Impact of Informal Care on Healthcare Utilization of Older Adults with Functional Limitations in China. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38600766 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2024.2338061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Our study examines the impact of informal care on healthcare utilization, focusing on caregiver types, urban-rural, and gender differences. Analyzing data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study and using fixed effects models, we discovered complementary effects between informal care and healthcare. Specifically, spousal care increased inpatient care use, adult child care boosted both inpatient and outpatient use, and dual care from children and spouses showed the most significant impact on healthcare use. The association between informal care and healthcare use varied across gender or urban-rural residence. Our findings highlight the importance of caregivers in accessing healthcare services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Su
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanshang Wang
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lijun Fan
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Levy M, Buckell J, Clarke R, Wu N, Pei P, Sun D, Avery D, Zhang H, Lv J, Yu C, Li L, Chen Z, Yip W, Chen Y, Mihaylova B. Association between health insurance cost-sharing and choice of hospital tier for cardiovascular diseases in China: a prospective cohort study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2024; 45:101020. [PMID: 38380231 PMCID: PMC10876671 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2024.101020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Background Hospitals in China are classified into tiers (1, 2 or 3), with the largest (tier 3) having more equipment and specialist staff. Differential health insurance cost-sharing by hospital tier (lower deductibles and higher reimbursement rates in lower tiers) was introduced to reduce overcrowding in higher tier hospitals, promote use of lower tier hospitals, and limit escalating healthcare costs. However, little is known about the effects of differential cost-sharing in health insurance schemes on choice of hospital tiers. Methods In a 9-year follow-up of a prospective study of 0.5 M adults from 10 areas in China, we examined the associations between differential health insurance cost-sharing and choice of hospital tiers for patients with a first hospitalisation for stroke or ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in 2009-2017. Analyses were performed separately in urban areas (stroke: n = 20,302; IHD: n = 19,283) and rural areas (stroke: n = 21,130; IHD: n = 17,890), using conditional logit models and adjusting for individual socioeconomic and health characteristics. Findings About 64-68% of stroke and IHD cases in urban areas and 27-29% in rural areas chose tier 3 hospitals. In urban areas, higher reimbursement rates in each tier and lower tier 3 deductibles were associated with a greater likelihood of choosing their respective hospital tiers. In rural areas, the effects of cost-sharing were modest, suggesting a greater contribution of other factors. Higher socioeconomic status and greater disease severity were associated with a greater likelihood of seeking care in higher tier hospitals in urban and rural areas. Interpretation Patient choice of hospital tiers for treatment of stroke and IHD in China was influenced by differential cost-sharing in urban areas, but not in rural areas. Further strategies are required to incentivise appropriate health seeking behaviour and promote more efficient hospital use. Funding Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Kadoorie Charitable Foundation, China Ministry of Science and Technology, and National Natural Science Foundation of China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Levy
- Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit (CTSU), Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK
| | - John Buckell
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Robert Clarke
- Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit (CTSU), Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK
- Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit (MRC PHRU), Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Nina Wu
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Pei Pei
- Peking University Center for Public Health and Epidemic Preparedness & Response, Beijing, China
| | - Dianjianyi Sun
- Peking University Center for Public Health and Epidemic Preparedness & Response, Beijing, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Daniel Avery
- Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit (CTSU), Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Hua Zhang
- NCDs Prevention and Control Department, Qingdao Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, China
| | - Jun Lv
- Peking University Center for Public Health and Epidemic Preparedness & Response, Beijing, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Canqing Yu
- Peking University Center for Public Health and Epidemic Preparedness & Response, Beijing, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Liming Li
- Peking University Center for Public Health and Epidemic Preparedness & Response, Beijing, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengming Chen
- Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit (CTSU), Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Winnie Yip
- Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yiping Chen
- Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit (CTSU), Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK
- Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit (MRC PHRU), Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Borislava Mihaylova
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK
- Health Economics and Policy Research Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Fu L, Pei T, Xu J, Han J, Yang J. Inspecting the "health poverty trap" mechanism: self-reinforcing effect and endogenous force. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:917. [PMID: 38549088 PMCID: PMC10979620 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18464-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The term "health poverty trap" describes a vicious cycle in which developing countries or regions become trapped in low levels of health and poverty during the process of modernization. Although significant progress has been made in alleviating poverty in China, there is still a need to further enhance the living conditions of its impoverished population. METHODS This research utilizes the data of the three national representative panel surveys from 2014 to 2020. The primary objective is to gain a better understanding of the intricate relationship between health and poverty. To examine the self-reinforcing effects of the cumulative cycle between health and poverty, we employ unconditional quantile regression analysis. RESULT The low-income group exhibits lower overall health status compared to the average level. Economic constraints partially hinder the ability of low-income individuals to access healthcare resources, thereby reinforcing the cyclical relationship between health and poverty. Additionally, the unique psychological and behavioral preferences of individuals in health poverty act as indirect factors that further strengthen this cycle. Health poverty individuals can generate endogenous force to escape the "health poverty trap" by enhancing their confidence levels and digital literacy. CONCLUSIONS The research examines the coexistence of health gradients and economic inequality among Chinese residents. Additionally, the study explores the endogenous force mechanism of escaping the health poverty trap from psychological and behavioral perspectives. This research also offers insights into optimizing government poverty alleviation programs to effectively address this issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Fu
- College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, No.92 Weijin Rd, Tianjin, China
- College of Politics and Public Administration, Qinghai Minzu University, Xining, Qinghai Province, China
| | - Tong Pei
- College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, No.92 Weijin Rd, Tianjin, China.
- School of Marxism, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province, China.
| | - Jiangtao Xu
- College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, No.92 Weijin Rd, Tianjin, China
- School of Public Administration, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Jiarui Han
- College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, No.92 Weijin Rd, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Yang
- College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, No.92 Weijin Rd, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu Y, Liu K, Zhang X, Guo Q. Does digital infrastructure improve public Health? A quasi-natural experiment based on China's Broadband policy. Soc Sci Med 2024; 344:116624. [PMID: 38290184 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
This study proposed a scheme for improving people's health from the perspective of digital infrastructure construction. We used the China Family Panel Studies conducted between 2010 and 2020 and the digital infrastructure construction marked by the Broadband China policy between 2014 and 2016 as a quasi-natural experiment. We adopted the multi-time difference-in-differences method to identify the causal relationship between digital infrastructure and people's health. We found that digital infrastructure construction significantly improved people's health, and the effect was more prominent among young and middle-aged residents and those with less than a university education. Moreover, digital infrastructure construction improved the utilization of medical services, helped residents develop healthy lifestyles, and increased people's health investments. Additionally, digital infrastructure reduced health inequality among people and promoted health equity. The findings could guide future policies to improve people's health and well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Liu
- School of Government, Central University of Finance and Economics, 39 South College Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Keshan Liu
- School of Government, Central University of Finance and Economics, 39 South College Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
| | - XiangLin Zhang
- School of Government, Central University of Finance and Economics, 39 South College Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Qiuyue Guo
- School of Government, Central University of Finance and Economics, 39 South College Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhang J, Sun X, Yao A. Preference for primary care in Chinese homebound patients. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:449. [PMID: 38347463 PMCID: PMC10863133 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17910-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe the preference for primary healthcare (PHC) and investigate associated factors among homebound residents in both rural and urban areas of China. It provides valuable insights to facilitate the rational allocation of healthcare resources and promote the utilization of PHC. METHODS In this nationally representative cross-sectional study, we utilized the most recent data (2020) from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). Participants were recruited from 25 provincial-level administrative regions in both rural and urban areas of China. Homebound patients were asked to provide details about their individual characteristics, variables related to family caregiving, and preferences for PHC. Multivariable logistic models were used to analyze potential factors associated with preference for PHC. Estimates of association were reported as odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS The study found that 58.43% of rural patients reported a preference for PHC, while 42.78% of urban patients favored PHC. Compared to rural participants who did not received inpatient care in the past year, those who received inpatient care in the past year had 67% lower odds of choosing PHC (OR:0.33, 95% CI:0.19-0.59); Compared to rural participants who did not received family caregiving when ill, those who received family caregiving when ill had 59% lower odds of choosing PHC (OR: 0.41, 95% CI:0.21-0.77). Correspondingly, Compared to urban participants who did not received inpatient care in the past year, those who had received inpatient care in the past year had 75% lower odds of choosing PHC (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.10-0.56); Compared to urban participants who did not received family caregiving when ill, those who received family caregiving when ill had 73% lower odds of choosing PHC (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.11-0.63); Compared to urban participants who with agricultural Hukou, those with Non-agricultural Hukou had 61% lower odds of choosing PHC (OR: 0.39, 95% CI:0.18-0.83); Compared to urban participants living in the eastern part of mainland China, those living in the central part of China had 188% higher odds of choosing PHC (OR: 2.88, 95% CI: 1.14-7.29). CONCLUSION Policymakers should focus on tailoring PHC to vulnerable populations and prioritizing family-based public health strategies for enhancing homebound patients' perceptions of PHC. Furthermore, further study is needed on whether the Hukou registration system affects the barriers that homebound patients experience in choosing healthcare providers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinxin Zhang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Rd, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaojie Sun
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Rd, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China.
| | - Aaron Yao
- Home Centered Care Institute, Schaumburg, IL, USA
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhang J, Sun X, Yao A. Use of Primary Healthcare Among Chinese Older Adults With Functional Limitations. J Appl Gerontol 2024; 43:149-159. [PMID: 37947378 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231205404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the factors associated with primary healthcare (PHC) utilization among older adults with functional limitations, providing insights for improving the effectiveness of PHC for this population. We used the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) dataset, which encompasses 28 provinces in China. Logistic regression was used to analyze the people-related, care context-related, and linkage-related factors associated with PHC utilization. Approximately 55.61% of older adults with functional limitations utilized PHC in the past month, regardless of visit frequency or extent. Participants with lower educational attainment, those reporting more pain, and those living in rural areas had a higher likelihood of PHC utilization. Participants who received inpatient care in the past year had a lower likelihood of PHC utilization. We recommend that policymakers complement existing PHC health programs with increased health and social welfare support for this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinxin Zhang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- National Health Commission Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, China
| | - Xiaojie Sun
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- National Health Commission Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, China
| | - Aaron Yao
- Home Centered Care Institute, Schaumburg, IL, USA
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhang J, Zhang Y. Decomposing differences in the chronic disease condition between rural and urban older adults in China: a cross-sectional analysis. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1298657. [PMID: 38249386 PMCID: PMC10797097 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1298657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background With the increasing in aging in China, there has been an increase in older adults suffering from chronic diseases. However, little is known about the differences in chronic disease conditions between rural and urban older adults. The objective of this study is to identify chronic disease conditions and investigate the factors that cause differences in chronic disease conditions between urban and rural older adults. Methods The data are from the fourth wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The coarsened exact matching (CEM) method was used to reduce the biases for a comparative study. After the CEM method, this study included 5,927 participants aged 60 and above. Chronic disease condition was used as the indicator to measure the health of older adults. Specifically, Fairlie's decomposition analysis was carried out to discover the differences in chronic disease conditions between urban and rural older adults. Results The study showed that the proportion of those suffering from chronic diseases was significantly higher among urban older adults (51.26%) than rural older adults (46.56%). In those suffering from chronic diseases, there were significant differences in gender, education level, minorities, religiosities, duration of sleep, drinking alcohol, social activity, insurance, and socioeconomic status between rural and urban older adults, while in those not suffering from chronic diseases, there were significant differences in age, education level, marital status, drinking alcohol, social activity, insurance, region, and socioeconomic status between rural and urban older adults. For rural older adults, those who were widowers [Odds ratios (OR): 1.267], who drink alcohol (OR: 1.421), and having government medical insurance (OR: 4.869) had higher odds of having chronic diseases. However, those who were in high school and above (OR: 0.802), reporting a duration of sleep of 4-8 h (OR: 0.745) or above 8 h (OR: 0.649), having social activity (OR: 0.778), and having the most affluent socioeconomic status (OR: 0.778) had lower odds of having chronic diseases. As for urban older adults, those who were aged 65-74 years (OR: 1.246) and had government medical insurance (OR: 2.362) had higher odds of having chronic diseases. Fairlie's decomposition analysis indicated that 23.57% of the differences in chronic diseases conditions could be traced to duration of sleep, drinking alcohol, social activity, and region. Conclusion This study illustrated that the proportion of chronic diseases was higher among urban older adults than rural older adults. Considering duration of sleep, drinking alcohol, region, social activity, and region, the study demonstrated health differences between urban and rural older adults and provided evidence for policy-making to narrow the health gap between urban and rural areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- School of Public Administration, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- School of Law and Public Administration, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Xu T, Loban E, Wei X, Zhou Z, Wang W. Comparison of Health Care Utilization in Different Usual Sources of Care Among Older People With Cardiovascular Disease in China: Evidence From the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health. Int J Public Health 2024; 68:1606103. [PMID: 38234446 PMCID: PMC10792126 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To compare the health care utilization in different usual sources of care (USCs) among the elderly population with cardiovascular disease in China. Methods: Cross-sectional data for 3,340 participants aged ≥50 years with cardiovascular disease from Global AGEing and Adult Health (2010)-China were used. Using the inverse probability of treatment weighting on the propensity score with survey weighting, combined with negative binomial regression and logistic regression models, the correlation between USCs and health care utilization was assessed. Results: Patients using primary care facilities as their USC had fewer hospital admissions (IRR = 0.507, 95% CI = 0.413, 0.623) but more unmet health needs (OR = 1.657, 95% CI = 1.108, 2.478) than those using public hospitals. Patients using public clinics as their USC had higher outpatient visits (IRR = 2.188, 95% CI = 1.630, 2.939) than the private clinics' group. Conclusion: The difference in inpatient care utilization and unmet health care needs between public hospitals and primary care facilities, and the difference in outpatient care utilization between public and private clinics were significant. Using primary care facilities as USCs, particularly public ones, appeared to increase care accessibility, but it still should be strengthened to better address patients' health care needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiange Xu
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ekaterina Loban
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Xiaolin Wei
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zhongliang Zhou
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wenhua Wang
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Liao F, Hu W, Zhang C. Does basic medical insurance promote public health? Evidence from China family panel study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1269277. [PMID: 38162604 PMCID: PMC10755903 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1269277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background To promote common prosperity, China government has devoted much financial resources to the basic medical insurance system, it is of great significance to improve the health level of the insured groups to prevent them from returning to poverty due to illness. Whether or not the basic medical insurance can improve health status is an important policy issue after China has win the absolute poverty alleviation movement. Methods Based on the data of China Family Panel Studies this paper constructs a strong balanced panel data with two levels information, which including variables from family level and personal level. This paper uses the panel data fixed effect model and propensity score matching model to analysis. Results This paper finds that after controlling the family and personal confounding variables, the basic medical insurance has positive effect toward health status. With propensity score matching model, this paper finds that there is causality between basic medical insurance and public health. Conclusion Basic medical insurance has a significant health effect, that is, basic medical insurance has a significant positive impact on individual self-rated health. Participating in basic medical insurance can significantly improve the ability of families to face risk shocks, promote the accumulation of health capital in families, promote the diversification of livelihood strategies, and effectively prevent the occurrence of returning to poverty due to illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fuchong Liao
- Department of Public Administration, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenxiu Hu
- Centre of Population and Development Policy Studies, Fudan University, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- School of Business, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wang T, Wen K, Gao Q, Sun R. Small money, big change: The distributional impact of differentiated doctor's visit fee on healthcare utilization. Soc Sci Med 2023; 339:116355. [PMID: 37984180 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
A prominent issue in China's healthcare sector is the overcrowding of high-tier hospitals, whereas low-tier hospitals and community health centers are severely underutilized. This study aims to examine whether doctor's visit fee and copay differentiated by the level of healthcare providers can change the distribution of outpatient visits across different levels of healthcare providers. By leveraging the exogeneity of the policy change implemented in a megacity in China in 2017, we apply a parametric discontinuity regression model to study the causal impact of differentiated pricing on patients' health-seeking behavior, using a large-scale insurance claim database. We find that the reform of differentiated doctor's visit fee schedule effectively increases the proportion of visits to primary care facilities among all outpatient visits. This effect is driven by a decline in visits to the highest-tier hospitals and an increase in visits to community healthcare centers. Furthermore, the policy effects are more pronounced among the elderly and people with chronic diseases. Our results suggest that shifting the focus of pricing policies from coinsurance to copays while continuing to improve the capacity of primary care facilities is an effective way to facilitate triaging patients into different levels of care without triggering moral hazard.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Wang
- School of Labor and Human Resources, Renmin University of China, 59 Zhongguancun Avenue, Beijing, 100872, China
| | - Ke Wen
- School of Labor and Human Resources, Renmin University of China, 59 Zhongguancun Avenue, Beijing, 100872, China
| | - Qiuming Gao
- Business School, China University of Political Science and Law, 25 Xitucheng Road, Beijing, 100088, China.
| | - Ruochen Sun
- Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, PA, 19104, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yip W, Fu H, Jian W, Liu J, Pan J, Xu D, Yang H, Zhai T. Universal health coverage in China part 2: addressing challenges and recommendations. Lancet Public Health 2023; 8:e1035-e1042. [PMID: 38000883 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(23)00255-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
This report analyses the underlying causes of China's achievements and gaps in universal health coverage over the past 2 decades and proposes policy recommendations for advancing universal health coverage by 2030. Although strong political commitment and targeted financial investment have produced positive outcomes in reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health and infectious diseases, a fragmented and hospital-centric delivery system, rising health-care costs, shallow benefit coverage of health insurance schemes, and little integration of health in all policies have restricted China's ability to effectively prevent and control chronic disease and provide adequate financial risk protection, especially for lower-income households. Here, we used a health system conceptual framework and we propose a set of feasible policy recommendations that draw from international experiences and first-hand knowledge of China's unique institutional landscape. Our six recommendations are: instituting a primary care-focused integrated delivery system that restructures provider incentives and accountability mechanisms to prioritise prevention; leveraging digital tools to support health behaviour change; modernising information campaigns; improving financial protection through insurance reforms; promoting a health in all policy; and developing a domestic monitoring framework with refined tracer indicators that reflects China's disease burden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Winnie Yip
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hongqiao Fu
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
| | - Weiyan Jian
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jue Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jay Pan
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Duo Xu
- Institute of Population and Labor Economics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hanmo Yang
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tiemin Zhai
- China National Health Development Research Center, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chen C, Zhu J. Quantifying Health Policy Uncertainty in China Using Newspapers: Text Mining Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46589. [PMID: 37962937 PMCID: PMC10685290 DOI: 10.2196/46589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND From the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003 to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, a series of health measures and policies have been introduced from the central to the local level in China. However, no study has constructed an uncertainty index that can reflect the volatility, risk, and policy characteristics of the health environment. OBJECTIVE We used text mining analysis on mainstream newspapers to quantify the volume of reports about health policy and the total number of news articles and to construct a series of indexes that could reflect the uncertainty of health policy in China. METHODS Using the Wisenews database, 11 of the most influential newspapers in mainland China were selected to obtain the sample articles. The health policy uncertainty (HPU) index for each month from 2003 to 2022 was constructed by searching articles containing the specified keywords and calculating their frequency. Robustness tests were conducted through correlation analysis. The HPU index was plotted using STATA (version 16.0), and a comparative analysis of the China and US HPU indexes was then performed. RESULTS We retrieved 6482 sample articles from 7.49 million news articles in 11 newspapers. The China HPU index was constructed, and the robustness test showed a correlation coefficient greater than 0.74, which indicates good robustness. Key health events can cause index fluctuations. At the beginning of COVID-19 (May 2020), the HPU index climbed to 502.0. In December 2022, China's HPU index reached its highest value of 613.8 after the release of the "New Ten Rules" pandemic prevention and control policy. There were significant differences in HPU index fluctuations between China and the United States during SARS and COVID-19, as well as during the Affordable Care Act period. CONCLUSIONS National health policy is a guide for health development, and uncertainty in health policy can affect not only the implementation of policy by managers but also the health-seeking behavior of the people. Here, we conclude that changes in critical health policies, major national or international events, and infectious diseases with widespread impact can create significant uncertainty in China's health policies. The uncertainty of health policies in China and the United States is quite different due to different political systems and news environments. What is the same is that COVID-19 has brought great policy volatility to both countries. To the best of our knowledge, our work is the first systematic text mining study of HPU in China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Capital Health Management and Policy, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Junli Zhu
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Capital Health Management and Policy, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cai C, Xiong S, Millett C, Xu J, Tian M, Hone T. Health and health system impacts of China's comprehensive primary healthcare reforms: a systematic review. Health Policy Plan 2023; 38:1064-1078. [PMID: 37506039 PMCID: PMC10566320 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czad058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
China's comprehensive primary healthcare (PHC) reforms since 2009 aimed to deliver accessible, efficient, equitable and high-quality healthcare services. However, knowledge on the system-wide effectiveness of these reforms is limited. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the reforms' health and health system impacts. In 13 August 2022, international databases and three Chinese databases were searched for randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies and controlled before-after studies. Included studies assessed large-scale PHC policies since 2009; had a temporal comparator and a control group and assessed impacts on expenditures, utilization, care quality and health outcomes. Study quality was assessed using Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions, and results were synthesized narratively. From 49 174 identified records, 42 studies were included-all with quasi-experimental designs, except for one randomized control trial. Nine studies were assessed as at low risk of bias. Only five low- to moderate-quality studies assessed the comprehensive reforms as a whole and found associated increases in health service utilization, whilst the other 37 studies examined single-component policies. The National Essential Medicine Policy (N = 15) and financing reforms (N = 11) were the most studied policies, whilst policies on primary care provision (i.e. family physician policy and the National Essential Public Health Services) were poorly evaluated. The PHC reforms were associated with increased primary care utilization (N = 17) and improved health outcomes in people with non-communicable diseases (N = 8). Evidence on healthcare costs was unclear, and impacts on patients' financial burden and care quality were understudied. Some studies showed disadvantaged regions and groups that accrued greater benefits (N = 8). China's comprehensive PHC reforms have made some progress in achieving their policy objectives including increasing primary care utilization, improving some health outcomes and reducing health inequalities. However, China's health system remains largely hospital-centric and further PHC strengthening is needed to advance universal health coverage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Cai
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Reynolds Building, St Dunstan's Road, London W6 8RP, UK
| | - Shangzhi Xiong
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faulty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Level 5, 1 King Street Newtown, Sydney 2042, Australia
- Global Health Research Centre, Duke Kunshan University, Academic Building 3038, No. 8 Duke Avenue, Kunshan, Jiangsu 215316, China
| | - Christopher Millett
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Reynolds Building, St Dunstan's Road, London W6 8RP, UK
- Public Health Research Centre and Comprehensive Health Research Centre, NOVA National School of Public Health, NOVA University Lisbon, Avenida Padre Cruz, Lisbon 1600-560, Portugal
| | - Jin Xu
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Maoyi Tian
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faulty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Level 5, 1 King Street Newtown, Sydney 2042, Australia
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, No. 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Thomas Hone
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Reynolds Building, St Dunstan's Road, London W6 8RP, UK
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Li D, Yang J, Li J, Zhao N, Ju W, Guo M. Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation (ABMS)on the influence of adjusting medical service fees on patients' choice of medical treatment. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:928. [PMID: 37649036 PMCID: PMC10468860 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09933-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We explored the impact of medical service fee adjustments on the choice of medical treatment for hypertensive patients in Beijing. We hope to provide decision-making reference to promote the realization of hierarchical diagnosis and treatment in Beijing. METHODS According to the framework of modeling simulation research and based on the data of residents and medical institutions in Beijing, we designed three models of residents model, disease model and hospital model respectively. We then constructed a state map of patients' selection of medical treatment and adjusted the medical service fee to observe outpatient selection behaviors of hypertensive patients at different levels of hospitals and to find the optimal decision-making plan. RESULTS The simulation results show that the adjustment of medical service fees can affect the proportion of patients seeking medical treatment in primary and tertiary hospitals to a certain extent, but has little effect on the proportion of patients receiving medical treatment in secondary hospitals. CONCLUSIONS Beijing can make adjustments of the current medical service fees by reducing fees in primary hospitals and slightly increasing fees in tertiary hospitals, and in this way could increase the number of patients with hypertension in the primary hospitals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danhui Li
- Office of Medical Affairs, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, No. 256 Youyi West Road, Beilin District, Xi'an, 710068, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jia Yang
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, No. 10 Xitoutiao, You'anmen Wai, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Jin Li
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, No. 10 Xitoutiao, You'anmen Wai, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Ning Zhao
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, No. 10 Xitoutiao, You'anmen Wai, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Wensheng Ju
- Beijing Municipal Health Big Data and Policy Research Center, No.277 Zhaodengyu Road, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Moning Guo
- Beijing Municipal Health Big Data and Policy Research Center, No.277 Zhaodengyu Road, Beijing, 100034, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Henderson DAG, Donaghy E, Dozier M, Guthrie B, Huang H, Pickersgill M, Stewart E, Thompson A, Wang HHX, Mercer SW. Understanding primary care transformation and implications for ageing populations and health inequalities: a systematic scoping review of new models of primary health care in OECD countries and China. BMC Med 2023; 21:319. [PMID: 37620865 PMCID: PMC10463288 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03033-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many countries have introduced reforms with the aim of primary care transformation (PCT). Common objectives include meeting service delivery challenges associated with ageing populations and health inequalities. To date, there has been little research comparing PCT internationally. Our aim was to examine PCT and new models of primary care by conducting a systematic scoping review of international literature in order to describe major policy changes including key 'components', impacts of new models of care, and barriers and facilitators to PCT implementation. METHODS We undertook a systematic scoping review of international literature on PCT in OECD countries and China (published protocol: https://osf.io/2afym ). Ovid [MEDLINE/Embase/Global Health], CINAHL Plus, and Global Index Medicus were searched (01/01/10 to 28/08/21). Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts with data extraction by a single reviewer. A narrative synthesis of findings followed. RESULTS A total of 107 studies from 15 countries were included. The most frequently employed component of PCT was the expansion of multidisciplinary teams (MDT) (46% of studies). The most frequently measured outcome was GP views (27%), with < 20% measuring patient views or satisfaction. Only three studies evaluated the effects of PCT on ageing populations and 34 (32%) on health inequalities with ambiguous results. For the latter, PCT involving increased primary care access showed positive impacts whilst no benefits were reported for other components. Analysis of 41 studies citing barriers or facilitators to PCT implementation identified leadership, change, resources, and targets as key themes. CONCLUSIONS Countries identified in this review have used a range of approaches to PCT with marked heterogeneity in methods of evaluation and mixed findings on impacts. Only a minority of studies described the impacts of PCT on ageing populations, health inequalities, or from the patient perspective. The facilitators and barriers identified may be useful in planning and evaluating future developments in PCT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D A G Henderson
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - E Donaghy
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M Dozier
- College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - B Guthrie
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - H Huang
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M Pickersgill
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - E Stewart
- School of Social Work and Social Policy, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - A Thompson
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - H H X Wang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - S W Mercer
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Na X, Ding L, Wang J, Chu S. Effects of basic medical insurance integration on subjective wellbeing of residents in China: empirical evidence from a quasi-experiment. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1211350. [PMID: 37655279 PMCID: PMC10467426 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1211350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Enhancing the wellbeing of residents through universal health coverage (UHC) is a long-term policy goal for China. In 2016, China integrated the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (NRCMS) and the Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URBMI) into the Urban and Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URRBMI) to address the problem of fragmentation. Objective The objective of this study was to investigate whether the integration of basic medical insurance had an impact on the subjective wellbeing of Chinese residents. Methods Using the China Household Finance Survey data of 2015 and 2019, we empirically estimated the influence of the integration of basic medical insurance on Chinese residents through the difference-in-difference method based on propensity score matching (PSM-DID). Results Our findings indicate that the integration of basic medical insurance improved the subjective wellbeing of the insured population. Additionally, through heterogeneity testing, we validated that the integration increased the subjective wellbeing of residents from less developed regions in West China and rural areas, as well as those with older adult dependents. However, the subjective wellbeing of low-income groups, who were expected to benefit more from the URRBMI, did not improve significantly, at least in the short term. Conclusion According to our research, the integration of basic medical insurance in China supports the country's objective of achieving equality and providing universal benefits for its residents. The introduction of the URRBMI has had a positive impact on the subjective wellbeing of insured individuals. This is particularly beneficial for disadvantaged groups in less developed regions, as well as for residents with older adult dependents. However, the subjective wellbeing of the middle-income group has improved significantly, whereas that of the low-income group, despite being the intended beneficiaries of the integration, did not show significant improvement. Recommendations From a funding perspective, we recommend establishing a dynamic adjustment funding system that links residents' medical insurance funding standards with their disposable income. Regarding the utilization of the URRBMI, the benefit packages should be expanded, particularly by covering more outpatient services through risk pooling. We call for further research with additional data and continued efforts on improving wellbeing of residents, particularly for disadvantaged populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shuzhen Chu
- School of International Pharmaceutical Business, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Li C, Fan X, Wang Y, Wang Z, Dang Y, Cui Y. Can the development of renewable energy in China compensate for the damage caused by environmental pollution to residents' health? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:92636-92650. [PMID: 37491496 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28801-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
China's rapid economic growth in recent decades has caused a growing problem of environmental pollution, which negatively impacts the physical and mental health of residents. In recent years, renewable energy has emerged as a promising solution to alleviate environmental pollution and improve residents' well-being. However, it is unknown whether renewable energy development can counterbalance the health impacts of environmental pollution. Therefore, we conducted a study using data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) to examine the impact of environmental pollution and renewable energy on the health of 20,694 residents. Our analysis showed that renewable energy development can partially offset the negative health effects of environmental pollution. Specifically, we found that a 1% increase in environmental pollution is linked to an average decrease of 0.0911% in physical health (PHY) and 0.0566% in mental health (MEN), whereas each 1% rise in renewable energy corresponds to an average increase of 0.2585% in PHY and 0.1847% in MEN. These positive effects apply to male and female residents, urban and rural residents, young and middle-aged adults, and people with low, medium, and high levels of education. These findings are significant for decision-makers striving to improve Chinese residents' physical and mental health by considering the specific impact of renewable energy and comprehensive environmental pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenggang Li
- School of Big Data Application and Economics, Guizhou University of Finance and Economics, Guiyang, 550025, China
- Green Development Strategy Research Institute in Western China, Guizhou University of Finance and Economics, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Xiangbo Fan
- School of Big Data Application and Economics, Guizhou University of Finance and Economics, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- College of Foreign Studies, Guizhou University of Finance and Economics, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Zuogong Wang
- Green Development Strategy Research Institute in Western China, Guizhou University of Finance and Economics, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Yunxiao Dang
- Institute of Land and Urban-Rural Development, Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Yuanzheng Cui
- College of Hydrology and Water Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Geographic Sciences, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wang P, Cheng L, Li Y, Zhang Y, Huang W, Li S, Wang Z, Shan L, Jiao M, Wu Q. Factors and key problems influencing insured's poor perceptions of convenience of basic medical insurance: a mixed methods research of a northern city in China. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1066. [PMID: 37277834 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15993-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to explore the factors that affect insured's perceptions of convenience of the basic medical insurance (PCBMI) in Harbin, China and to diagnose the key problems to further propose corresponding measures. The findings provide evidence-based support for the reform of convenience of the basic medical insurance system (BMIS) and the cultivation of public literacy. METHODS We adopted a mixed methods design composing a multivariate regression model using the data from a cross-sectional questionnaire survey (n = 1045) of residents who were enrolled for BMIS in Harbin to identify the factors influencing the PCBMI. A quota sampling method was further adopted. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted with 30 important information providers selected by convenience sampling. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed to summarize and analyze the key problems. RESULTS Overall, approximately 51% of respondents reported poor PCBMI. The logistic regression model showed that insured without outpatient experience within two weeks (OR = 2.522, 95% CI = 1.267-5.024), had poorer levels of understanding of basic medical insurance information (OR = 2.336, 95% CI = 1.612-3.386), lived in rural areas (OR = 1.819, 95% CI = 1.036-3.195), had low levels of annual out-of-pocket medical expenses (OR = 1.488, 95% CI = 1.129-1.961), and were more likely to give the PCBMI a worse evaluation than their counterparts. The results of the qualitative analysis showed that the key problem areas of the PCBMI were the design of the BMIS, the cognitive biases of the insured, publicity information about the BMIS, and the health system environment. CONCLUSIONS This study found that in addition to the design of BMIS, the cognition of the insured, the BMIS information publicity and the health system environment are also the key problems hindering PCBMI. While optimizing system design and implementation, Chinese policymakers need to focus on the insured with low PCBMI characteristics. Moreover, it is necessary to focus on exploring effective BMIS information publicity methods, supporting public policy literacy and improving the health system environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Lixia Cheng
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Ye Li
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Research Center of Health Policy and Management, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yuchao Zhang
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Weiqi Huang
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Shuyi Li
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Zhizhen Wang
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Linghan Shan
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China.
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
| | - Mingli Jiao
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
- Research Center of Health Policy and Management, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China.
| | - Qunhong Wu
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, No.157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China.
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhang L, Liu H, Zou Z, Su S, Ong JJ, Ji F, Cui F, Chan PL, Ning Q, Li R, Shen M, Fairley CK, Liu L, Seto WK, Wong WC. Shared-care models are highly effective and cost-effective for managing chronic hepatitis B in China: reinterpreting the primary care and specialty divide. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 35:100737. [PMID: 37424676 PMCID: PMC10326699 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Background We evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of shared primary-specialty chronic hepatitis B (CHB) care models in China. Methods We constructed a decision-tree Markov model to simulate hepatitis B virus (HBV) disease progression in a cohort of 100,000 CHB individuals aged ≥18 years over their lifetime (aged 80). We evaluated the population impacts and cost-effectiveness in three scenarios: (1) status quo; (2) shared-care model with HBV testing and routine CHB follow-ups in primary care and antiviral treatment initiation in specialty care; and (3) shared-care model with HBV testing, treatment initiation and routine CHB follow-up in primary care and treatment for predetermined conditions in specialty care. We evaluated from a healthcare provider's perspective with 3% discounting rate and a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of 1-time China's GDP. Findings Compared with status quo, scenario 2 would result in an incremental cost of US$5.79-132.43m but a net gain of 328-16,993 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and prevention of 39-1935 HBV-related deaths over cohort's lifetime. Scenario 2 was not cost-effective with a WTP of 1-time GDP per capita, but became cost-effective when treatment initiation rate increased to 70%. In contrast, compared with status quo, secnario 3 would save US$144.59-192.93m in investment and achieve a net gain of 23,814-30,476 QALYs and prevention of 3074-3802 HBV-related deaths. Improving HBV antiviral treatment initiation among eligible CHB individuals substantially improved the cost-effectiveness of the shared-care models. Interpretation Shared-care models with HBV testing, follow up and referring of predetermined conditions to specialty care at an appropriate time, especially antiviral treatment initiation in primary care, are highly effective and cost-effective in China. Funding National Natural Science Foundation of China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- China–Australia Joint Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, China
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Artificial Intelligence and Modelling in Epidemiology Program, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Hanting Liu
- China–Australia Joint Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhuoru Zou
- China–Australia Joint Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, China
| | - Shu Su
- Clinical Research Management Office, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jason J. Ong
- China–Australia Joint Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, China
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Fanpu Ji
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fuqiang Cui
- School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Po-lin Chan
- Division of Communicable Disease, World Health Organization Western Pacific Regional Office, Manila, Philippines
| | - Qin Ning
- Department and Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Li
- China–Australia Joint Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, China
| | - Mingwang Shen
- China–Australia Joint Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory for Disease Prevention and Control and Health Promotion of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Christopher K. Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Artificial Intelligence and Modelling in Epidemiology Program, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lan Liu
- Chinese Medical Association Publishing House, 69 Dongheyanjie Street, XiCheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - William C.W. Wong
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong–Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Wangliu Y. Does intergenerational support affect older People's social participation? An Empirical study of an older Chinese population. SSM Popul Health 2023; 22:101368. [PMID: 36873267 PMCID: PMC9974446 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
As a means of social support, intergenerational support plays an essential role in encouraging older people to participate in society. Data on 3142 older adults were collected from the China Survey of Elderly Health Influencing Factors (CLHLS), and logistic regression models were used to determine the effects of several types of intergenerational support on social participation and whether self-rated health and life satisfaction mediated the associations between intergenerational support and social participation. Among all the three types of intergenerational support, the results showed that financial support and emotional support were positively associated with the social participation of the older Chinese in our sample. We observed rural-urban differences in the effects of financial support and emotional support on social participation, which were significant in the urban groups. Gender differences also exist in these relationships. The effects of emotional support on social participation were significant in both groups and the impact of financial support was obvious only in the female group. Regarding the mediating effect, financial support was found to improve the participants' self-rated health, which enhanced their social participation. Emotional support increased the participants' life satisfaction, which led to higher levels of social participation. Based on the findings of this study, policymakers should advocate to strengthen financial and emotional support from adult children in the community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiqi Wangliu
- Department of Social Work, T.C. Cheng Building, United College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Jiang Y, Man X, Shi X, Zhao L, Yang W, Cheng W. Who consumes curative care expenditure of medical institutions in Beijing: a case study based on System of Health Accounts 2011. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:548. [PMID: 37231464 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09564-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND China's health system is challenged by complex health problems experienced by different population groups and caused by multiple diseases. This study examined the distribution of curative care expenditure (CCE) of medical institutions in Beijing using beneficiary characteristics such as residency, gender, age, and disease. Suggestions are presented for the development of health policies. METHODS A total of 81 medical institutions with approximately 80 million patients in Beijing, China, were selected via a multistage stratified cluster random sampling approach. Based on this sample, the System of Health Accounts 2011 was used to estimate the CCE of medical institutions. RESULTS The CCE of medical institutions in Beijing was ¥246.93 billion in 2019. The consumption of patients from other provinces was ¥60.04 billion, accounting for 24.13% of the total CCE. The CCE of female consumption (52.01%/¥128.42 billion) exceeded that of male consumption (47.99%/¥118.51 billion). Almost half of the CCE (45.62%/¥112.64 billion) was consumed by patients aged 60 or above. Adolescent patients up to an age of 14 (including those aged 14) mainly chose secondary or tertiary hospitals for treatment. Chronic non-communicable diseases accounted for the largest share of CCE consumption, with circulatory diseases accounting for the highest proportion. CONCLUSIONS This study identified significant differences in CCE consumption in Beijing according to region, gender, age, and disease. Currently, the utilization of resources in medical institutions is not reasonable, and the hierarchical medical system is not sufficiently effective. Therefore, the government needs to optimize the allocation of resources according to the needs of different groups and rationalize the institutional process and functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jiang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 North 3Rd Ring Road East, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowei Man
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 North 3Rd Ring Road East, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
- National Institute of Chinese Medicine Development and Strategy, Beijing, China
| | - Xuefeng Shi
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 North 3Rd Ring Road East, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
- National Institute of Chinese Medicine Development and Strategy, Beijing, China
| | - Liying Zhao
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 North 3Rd Ring Road East, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Wanjin Yang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 North 3Rd Ring Road East, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 North 3Rd Ring Road East, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.
- National Institute of Chinese Medicine Development and Strategy, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Wang P, Li S, Wang Z, Jiao M, Zhang Y, Huang W, Ning N, Gao L, Shan L, Li Y, Wu Q. Perceptions of the benefits of the basic medical insurance system among the insured: a mixed methods research of a northern city in China. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1043153. [PMID: 37139382 PMCID: PMC10149763 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1043153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The perceptions of the benefits of the basic medical insurance system among the insured not only reflect the system's performance but also the public's basic medical insurance policy literacy, valuable information for countries that have entered the stage of deepening reform. This study aims to examine the factors that affect the perceptions of the benefits of the basic medical insurance system in China, diagnose the key problems, and propose corresponding measures for improvement. Methods A mixed method design was used. Data for the quantitative study were obtained from a cross-sectional questionnaire survey (n = 1,045) of residents of Harbin who had enrolled for basic medical insurance system. A quota sampling method was further adopted. A multivariate logistic regression model was then employed to identify the factors influencing the perceptions of the benefits of the basic medical insurance system, followed by semi-structured interviews with 30 conveniently selected key informants. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyze the interview data. Results Approximately 44% of insured persons reported low perceptions of benefits. The logistic regression model showed that low perceptions of the benefits of the basic medical insurance system was positively correlated with the experience of daily drug purchases (OR = 1.967), perceptions of recognition with basic medical insurance system (OR = 1.948), perceptions of the financial burden of participation costs (OR = 1.887), perceptions of the convenience of using basic medical insurance for medical treatment (OR = 1.770), perceptions of the financial burden of daily drug purchases costs (OR = 1.721), perceptions of the financial burden of hospitalization costs (OR = 1.570), and type of basic medical insurance system (OR = 1.456). The results of the qualitative analysis showed that the key problem areas of perceptions of the benefits of the basic medical insurance system were: (I) system design of basic medical insurance; (II) intuitive cognition of the insured; (III) rational cognition of the insured; and (IV) the system environment. Conclusions Improving the perceptions of the benefits of the basic medical insurance system of the insured requires joint efforts in improving system design and implementation, exploring effective publicity methods of basic medical insurance system information, supporting public policy literacy, and promoting the health system environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuyi Li
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhizhen Wang
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Mingli Jiao
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Research Center of Health Policy and Management, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuchao Zhang
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Weiqi Huang
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ning Ning
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lijun Gao
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Linghan Shan
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Research Center of Health Policy and Management, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qunhong Wu
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Wei Z, Bai J, Feng R. Optimization referral rate design for hierarchical diagnosis and treatment system based on accessibility-utilization efficiency bi-objective collaboration: A case study of China. Soc Sci Med 2023; 322:115827. [PMID: 36893504 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
The hierarchical diagnosis and treatment reform of China can guide residents to seek medical treatment in an orderly manner and improve access to medical treatment. Most existing studies on hierarchical diagnosis and treatment used accessibility as the evaluation index to determine the referral rate between hospitals. However, the blind pursuit of accessibility will cause the problem of uneven utilization efficiency of hospitals at different levels. In response to this, we constructed a bi-objective optimization model based on the perspective of residents and medical institutions. This model can give the optimal referral rate for each province considering the accessibility of residents and the utilization efficiency of hospitals, to improve the utilization efficiency and equality of access for hospitals. The results showed that the applicability of bi-objective optimization model is good, and the optimal referral rate based on the model can ensure the maximum benefit of the two optimization goals. In the optimal referral rate model, residents' medical accessibility is relatively balanced overall. In terms of obtaining high-grade medical resources, the accessibility is better in the eastern and central regions, but poorer in the western China. According to the current allocation of medical resources in China, the medical tasks undertaken by high-grade hospitals account for 60%-78%, which are still the main force of medical services. In this way, there is a big gap in realizing the "serious diseases do not leave the county" goal of hierarchical diagnosis and treatment reform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyu Wei
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Jianjun Bai
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China.
| | - Ruitao Feng
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Yu Y, Zhou R, Qian L, Yang X, Dong L, Zhang G. Supply-demand balance and spatial distribution optimization of primary care facilities in highland cities from a resilience perspective: A study of Lhasa, China. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1131895. [PMID: 36969676 PMCID: PMC10032525 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1131895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe development of urban resilience, which is fundamentally a balance between the supply capacity of primary care resources and the demand from urban residents, includes an appropriate architecture of primary care facilities. Resilient city construction in highland areas is hampered by the physical environment and transportation constraints and frequently encounters issues like poor accessibility and unequal distribution of primary care facilities.MethodsTo optimize the supply and demand of primary care resources in highland cities and effectively improve the resilience of urban public health, this paper assesses the distribution of primary care facilities within the built-up area of Lhasa (China) through a spatial network analysis method based on GIS, combined with population distribution data, and employs a location-allocation model to optimize the distribution.ResultsFirstly, the overall supply of primary care exceeds the overall demand, but the facilities' service area can only accommodate 59% of the residences. Secondly, there is a clear spatial variation in the accessibility of primary care facilities, and the time cost of healthcare is too high in some residences. Thirdly, the supply-demand relationship of primary care facilities is unbalanced, with both over-saturated and over-deficient areas.DiscussionAfter distribution optimization, the coverage and accessibility of primary care facilities have increased significantly, and the spatial imbalance of supply and demand has been alleviated. This paper proposes a research method to evaluate and optimize the spatial distribution of primary care facilities from multiple perspectives based on the resilience theory. The results of the study and visualization analysis methods can be used as an invaluable reference for planning the distribution of urban healthcare facilities and urban resilience construction in highland areas and other underdeveloped areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liyuan Qian
- School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xian Yang
- School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liuyang Dong
- School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guangyuan Zhang
- School of Transportation and Logistics, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Guangyuan Zhang
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Chen S, Li Y, Zheng Y, Wu B, Bardhan R, Wu L. Technical Efficiency Evaluation of Primary Health Care Institutions in Shenzhen, China, and Its Policy Implications under the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4453. [PMID: 36901462 PMCID: PMC10001471 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Primary health care institutions (PHCI) play an important role in reducing health inequities and achieving universal health coverage. However, despite the increasing inputs of healthcare resources in China, the proportion of patient visits in PHCI keeps declining. In 2020, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic further exerted a severe stress on the operation of PHCI due to administrative orders. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency change in PHCI and provide policy recommendations for the transformation of PHCI in the post-pandemic era. (2) Methods: Data envelope analysis (DEA) and the Malmquist index model were applied to estimate the technical efficiency of PHCI in Shenzhen, China, from 2016 to 2020. The Tobit regression model was then used to analyze the influencing factors of efficiency of PHCI. (3) Results: The results of our analysis reflect considerable low levels of technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency, and scale efficiency of PHCI in Shenzhen, China, in 2017 and 2020. Compared to years before the epidemic, the productivity of PHCI decreased by 24.6% in 2020, which reached the nadir, during the COVID-19 pandemic along with the considerable reduction of technological efficiency, despite the significant inputs of health personnel and volume of health services. The growth of technical efficiency of PHCI is significantly affected by the revenue from operation, percentage of doctors and nurses in health technicians, ratio of doctors and nurses, service population, proportion of children in the service population, and numbers of PHCI within one kilometer. (4) Conclusion: The technical efficiency significantly declines along with the COVID-19 outbreak in Shenzhen, China, with the deterioration of underlying technical efficiency change and technological efficiency change, regardless of the immense inputs of health resources. Transformation of PHCI such as adopting tele-health technologies to maximize primary care delivery is needed to optimize utilization of health resource inputs. This study brings insights to improve the performances of PHCI in China in response to the current epidemiologic transition and future epidemic outbreaks more effectively, and to promote the national strategy of Healthy China 2030.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shujuan Chen
- Shenzhen Health Development Research and Data Management Center, Shenzhen 518028, China
- Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PX, UK
| | - Yue Li
- Shenzhen Health Development Research and Data Management Center, Shenzhen 518028, China
- Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PX, UK
| | - Yi Zheng
- Shenzhen Health Development Research and Data Management Center, Shenzhen 518028, China
| | - Binglun Wu
- Department of Structural Reform and Primary Health Care, Shenzhen Municipal Health Commission, Shenzhen 518031, China
| | - Ronita Bardhan
- Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PX, UK
| | - Liqun Wu
- Shenzhen Health Development Research and Data Management Center, Shenzhen 518028, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Si Y, Bateman H, Chen S, Hanewald K, Li B, Su M, Zhou Z. Quantifying the financial impact of overuse in primary care in China: A standardised patient study. Soc Sci Med 2023; 320:115670. [PMID: 36669284 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Overuse of health care is a potential factor in explaining the rapid increase in health care expenditure in many countries; however, it is difficult to measure overuse. This study employed the novel method of using unannounced standardised patients (SPs) to identify overuse, document its patterns and quantify its financial impact on patients in primary care in China. We trained 18 SPs to present consistent cases of two common chronic diseases and recorded 492 physician-patient interactions in 63 public and private primary hospitals in a capital city in western China in 2017 and 2018. Overuse, defined as the provision of unnecessary medical tests and drugs, was identified by a panel of medical experts based on national clinical guidelines. We estimated linear regression models to investigate how hospital, physician and patient characteristics were associated with overuse and to quantify the financial impact of overuse after controlling for a series of fixed effects. We found overuse in 72.15% of the SP visits. The high prevalence of overuse was similar among public and private hospitals, low-competence and high-competence physicians, male and female physicians, junior and senior physicians and male and female patients, but it varied between patients presenting different diseases. Compared to the non-overuse group, overuse significantly increased the total cost by 117.8%, the test cost by 58.8% and the drug cost by 100.3%. The financial impact of overuse was consistent across the aforementioned hospital, physician and patient characteristics. We suggest that the overuse observed in this study is unlikely to be attributable to physician incompetence but rather to the financing framework for primary care in China. These findings illuminate the cost escalation of primary care in China, which is a form of medical inefficiency that should be urgently addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Si
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (CEPAR), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; School of Risk & Actuarial Studies, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Hazel Bateman
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (CEPAR), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; School of Risk & Actuarial Studies, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shu Chen
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (CEPAR), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; School of Risk & Actuarial Studies, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katja Hanewald
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (CEPAR), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; School of Risk & Actuarial Studies, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bingqin Li
- Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Min Su
- School of Public Administration, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhongliang Zhou
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Su Q, Wang H, Fan L. The impact of home and community care services pilot program on healthy aging: A difference-in-difference with propensity score matching analysis from China. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 110:104970. [PMID: 36842402 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.104970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Home and community care service (HACCS) is an important policy response worldwide to the growing and unmet care needs of the aging population. In China, the government also started to implement a HACCS pilot program in 2016. This study aims to evaluate the association of HACCS utilization with healthy aging in Chinese older adults. METHODS This study followed a quasi-experimental design and derived data from the nationwide China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2015 and 2018. We employed the propensity score matching with difference-in-difference approach (PSM-DID) to examine the association between HACCS and healthy aging indicators. RESULTS A total of 8345 older adults were incorporated for a final sample. The results indicated that HACCS utilization was associated with significantly reduced functional limitations (β for BADL=-0.124, β for IADL=-0.210; P<0.01) and depression (β=-0.386, P<0.05) as well as improved cognitive function (β=0.609, P<0.001), life satisfaction (β=0.083, P<0.01) and social participation (β=0.105, P<0.01) in older people, although its association with reduced disability was non-significant (β=-0.005, P = 0.676). The heterogeneous tests further found that rural older adults and older adults aged<80 were more likely than their counterparts to benefit from the HACCS utilization in specific healthy aging indicators such as cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of the HACCS program benefited a range of healthy aging domains among older adults in China. Policymakers are encouraged to further expand the program implementation and also continue to improve the services list and care quality of HACCS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Su
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, No.87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Hang Wang
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
| | - Lijun Fan
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, No.87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing 210009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Li X, Xu H, Du F, Zhu B, Xie P, Wang H, Han X. Does increasing physician volume in primary healthcare facilities under the hierarchical medical system help reduce hospital service utilisation in China? A fixed-effects analysis using province-level panel data. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066375. [PMID: 36822814 PMCID: PMC9950906 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether increases in physician volume in primary healthcare facilities are associated with reduced utilisation of hospital outpatient and inpatient services after China facilitated the establishment of the hierarchical medical system. DESIGN We used a two-way fixed-effects regression to examine the association between the annual number of physicians in primary healthcare facilities and that of patient visits per physician, inpatient admissions and total expenses per outpatient visit in public hospitals during 2010-2014 and 2015-2019. Variables were log transformed to ensure the normal distribution of the data. SETTING Province-level data of all 31 provinces in mainland China from 2010 to 2019 were collected from the China Health Statistics Yearbook published by the China Health Commission. PARTICIPANTS All 31 provinces in mainland China. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The annual number of outpatient visits per physician, hospital admission and total expenses per outpatient visit in public hospitals. RESULTS During 2015-2019, we found that, on average, a 1% increase in the number of primary healthcare physicians was accompanied by a 0.19% (95% CI -0.33% to -0.05%) reduction in the annual number of visits per physician in public hospitals, and a 0.31% (95% CI -0.52% to -0.10%) reduction in patient visits in city-administered hospitals. No significant associations were found between 2010 and 2014. We also did not observe any significant associations between primary healthcare physician volume and hospital admissions or outpatient expenses during neither 2010-2014 and 2015-2019. CONCLUSIONS In the context of the hierarchical medical system, enhancing physician volume in primary healthcare facilities helps reduce outpatient visits in public hospitals, especially city-administered hospitals. However, more efforts are required to be continuously made to improve primary healthcare capacity to avoid preventable hospital admissions and outpatient expenses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Li
- Division of Public Policy, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Huiwen Xu
- Department of Population Health and Health Disparities, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Fang Du
- Shenzhen Health Development Research and Data Management Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bin Zhu
- School of Public Health and Emergency Management, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Pei Xie
- School of Public Health and Emergency Management, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Hankun Wang
- Department of Public and International Affairs, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xinxin Han
- School of Public Health and Emergency Management, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Chen Q, Cheng J, Tu J. Analysing the global and local spatial associations of medical resources across Wuhan city using POI data. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:96. [PMID: 36709274 PMCID: PMC9883876 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09051-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a sharp contradiction between the supply and demand of medical resources in the provincial capitals of China. Understanding the spatial patterns of medical resources and identifying their spatial association and heterogeneity is a prerequisite to ensuring that limited resources are allocated fairly and optimally, which, along with improvements to urban residents' quality of life, is a key aim of healthy city planning. However, the existing studies on medical resources pattern mainly focus on their spatial distribution and evolution characteristics, and lack the analyses of the spatial co-location between medical resources from the global and local perspectives. It is worth noting that the research on the spatial relationship between medical resources is an important way to realize the spatial equity and operation efficiency of urban medical resources. METHODS Localized colocation quotient (LCLQ) analysis has been used successfully to measure directional spatial associations and heterogeneity between categorical point data. Using point of interest (POI) data and the LCLQ method, this paper presents the first analysis of spatial patterns and directional spatial associations between six medical resources across Wuhan city. RESULTS (1) Pharmacies, clinics and community hospitals show "multicentre + multicircle", "centre + axis + dot" and "banded" distribution characteristics, respectively, but specialized hospitals and general hospitals present "single core" and "double core" modes. (2) Overall, medical resources show agglomeration characteristics. The degrees of spatial agglomeration of the five medical resources, are ranked from high to low as follows: pharmacy, clinic, community hospital, special hospital, general hospital and 3A hospital. (3) Although pharmacies, clinics, and community hospitals of basic medical resources are interdependent, specialized hospitals, general hospitals and 3A hospitals of professional medical resources are also interdependent; furthermore, basic medical resources and professional medical resources are mutually exclusive. CONCLUSIONS Government and urban planners should pay great attention to the spatial distribution characteristics and association intensity of medical resources when formulating relevant policies. The findings of this study contribute to health equity and health policy discussions around basic medical services and professional medical services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Chen
- grid.464325.20000 0004 1791 7587School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Hubei University of Economics, Wuhan, 430205 China
| | - Jianquan Cheng
- grid.25627.340000 0001 0790 5329Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD UK ,grid.411856.f0000 0004 1800 2274Centre for Health Geographic Information, Key Laboratory of Environmental Change and Resource Use in Beibu Gulf (Ministry of Education), Nanning Normal University, 175 MingxiuDonglu Road, 530051 Nanning, PR China
| | - Jianguang Tu
- grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153School of Remote Sensing and Information Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430070 PR China ,China Aero Geophysical Survey and Remote Sensing Center for Natural Resource, Beijing, 100083 China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Zhang L, Chen R, Fang Y. Effects of Urban and Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance on Healthcare Utilization Inequality in China. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1605521. [PMID: 36874221 PMCID: PMC9977786 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1605521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effects of Urban and Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URRBMI) integration on healthcare utilization and explore the contribution of URRBMI to healthcare utilization inequality among middle-aged and older adults. Methods: Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2011-2018. The difference-in-difference model, concentration index (CI), and decomposition method were adopted. Results: The results suggested that the probability of outpatient visits and the number of outpatient visits had decreased by 18.2% and 10.0% respectively, and the number of inpatient visits had increased by 3.6%. However, URRBMI had an insignificant effect on the probability of inpatient visits. A pro-poor inequality for the treatment group was observed. The decomposition revealed that the URRBMI contributed to the pro-poor inequality in healthcare utilization. Conclusion: The findings suggest that URRBMI integration has decreased outpatient care utilization and improved the number of inpatient visits. While the URRBMI has improved healthcare utilization inequality, some challenges still exist. Comprehensive measures should be taken in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liangwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Rui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ya Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zhang T, Lu B, Song Y, Chen M. Impacts of Outpatient Payment Reforms on Volume and Expenditures in Public Hospitals: Evidence from a Quasi-Experimental Analysis in Zhejiang, China. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2023; 16:415-424. [PMID: 36960123 PMCID: PMC10027848 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s400385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose China developed an innovative episode-based payment scheme for outpatient care, namely "Ambulatory Patient Groups (APGs) + capitation" payment, to constrain inflation in outpatient expenditures. This study aimed to assess the effects of this payment method on volume and expenditures in Chinese public hospitals. Methods A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 7 municipal and 12 county hospitals from Jinhua as the intervention group and 15 municipal and 24 county hospitals from three neighbouring cities as the control group. The payment reform was introduced to municipal and county hospitals in the intervention group in January 2020 and January 2021, respectively. Monthly data on volumes and outpatient expenditures were collected from each hospital from January 2019 to December 2021. Controlled interrupted time-series analyses were performed to determine the effects of the funding reforms. Results Outpatient visits in municipal hospitals decreased by 1417.54 (p=0.048) per month on average compared with control ones after the reform was implemented, whilst that in county hospitals increased by 1058.04 (p=0.041) per month on average. The trend of drug expenditures (β 7=-1.41, p=0.019) in municipal hospitals dropped, which was accompanied by an immediate reduction in consumable expenditures (β 6 =-6.89, p=0.044). The funding reform also led to the significant declines in drug (β 6=-10.96, p=0.009) and consumable (β 6=-4.78, p=0.041) expenditures in county hospitals. Municipal hospitals experienced the drop in the trend of total outpatient expenditures (β 7=-3.99, p=0.018) over the same period. Conclusion The strength of the "AGPs + capitation" payment for outpatient care lies in its ability to control the excessive growth of medical expenses through correcting inappropriate incentives. However, minimising potential cost-shifting and risk-shifting to uninsured service items should be given attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Beiyin Lu
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Song
- Department of Health Information Management, School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Yang Song; Minyan Chen, Email ;
| | - Minyan Chen
- Medical Insurance Department, Hangzhou Ninth People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Yang Y, Huang L, Yan H, Nicholas S, Maitland E, Bai Q, Shi X. Coping with COVID: Performance of China's hierarchical medical system during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1148847. [PMID: 37181683 PMCID: PMC10173579 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1148847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the health system worldwide. This study aimed to assess how China's hierarchical medical system (HMS) coped with COVID-19 in the short-and medium-term. We mainly measured the number and distribution of hospital visits and healthcare expenditure between primary and high-level hospitals during Beijing's 2020-2021 pandemic relative to the 2017-2019 pre-COVID-19 benchmark period. Methods Hospital operational data were extracted from Municipal Health Statistics Information Platform. The COVID-19 period in Beijing was divided into five phases, corresponding to different characteristics, from January 2020 to October 2021. The main outcome measures in this study include the percentage change in inpatient and outpatient emergency visits, and surgeries, and changing distribution of patients between different hospital levels across Beijing's HMS. In addition, the corresponding health expenditure in each of the 5 phases of COVID-19 was also included. Results In the outbreak phase of the pandemic, the total visits of Beijing hospitals declined dramatically, where outpatient visits fell 44.6%, inpatients visits fell 47.9%; emergency visits fell 35.6%, and surgery inpatients fell 44.5%. Correspondingly, health expenditures declined 30.5% for outpatients and 43.0% for inpatients. The primary hospitals absorbed a 9.51% higher proportion of outpatients than the pre-COVID-19 level in phase 1. In phase 4, the number of patients, including non-local outpatients reached pre-pandemic 2017-2019 benchmark levels. The proportion of outpatients in primary hospitals was only 1.74% above pre-COVID-19 levels in phases 4 and 5. Health expenditure for both outpatients and inpatients reached the baseline level in phase 3 and increased nearly 10% above pre-COVID-19 levels in phases 4 and 5. Conclusion The HMS in Beijing coped with the COVID-19 pandemic in a relatively short time, the early stage of the pandemic reflected an enhanced role for primary hospitals in the HMS, but did not permanently change patient preferences for high-level hospitals. Relative to the pre-COVID-19 benchmark, the elevated hospital expenditure in phase 4 and phase 5 pointed to hospital over-treatment or patient excess treatment demand. We suggest improving the service capacity of primary hospitals and changing the preferences of patients through health education in the post-COVID-19 world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Yang
- Health Management Center, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- School of Management, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lieyu Huang
- Office of Policy and Planning Research, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Beijing, China
| | - Hao Yan
- School of Management, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Stephen Nicholas
- Australian National Institute of Management and Commerce, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Guangdong Institute for International Strategies, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China
- School of Economics and School of Management, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
- Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Maitland
- University of Liverpool Management School, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Qian Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Xuefeng Shi
- School of Management, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Strategy and Development, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xuefeng Shi,
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Tao X, Li J, Gu Y, Ma L, Xu W, Wang R, Gao L, Zhang R, Wang H, Jiang Y. A National Quality Improvement Program on Ultrasound Department in China: A Controlled Cohort Study of 1297 Public Hospitals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:397. [PMID: 36612718 PMCID: PMC9819884 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Providing high-quality medical services is of great importance in the imaging department, as there is a growing focus on personal health, and high-quality services can lead to improved patient outcomes. Many quality improvement (QI) programs with good guidance and fine measurement for improvement have been reported to be effective. In order to improve the quality of ultrasound departments in China, we conducted this study of a national quality improvement program. A total of 1297 public hospitals were included in this QI program on ultrasound departments in China from 2017 to 2019. The effect of this QI program was investigated, and potential factors, including hospital level and local economic development, were considered. The outcome indicators, the positive rate and diagnostic accuracy, were improved significantly between the two phases (positive rate, 2017 vs. 2019: 66.21% vs. 73.91%, p < 0.001; diagnostic accuracy, 2017 vs. 2019: 85.37% vs. 89.74%; p < 0.001). Additionally, they were improved in secondary and tertiary hospitals, with the improvement in secondary hospitals being greater. Notably, the enhancement of diagnostic accuracy in low-GDP provinces was almost 20%, which was more significant than the enhancement in high-GDP provinces. However, the important structural indicator, the doctor-to-patient ratio, decreased from 1.05:10,000 to 0.96:10,000 (p = 0.026). This study suggests that the national ultrasound QI program improved the outcome indicators, with secondary-level hospitals improving more than tertiary hospitals and low-GDP provinces improving more than high-GDP regions. Additionally, as there is a growing need for ultrasound examinations, more ultrasound doctors are needed in China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Tao
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jianchu Li
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yang Gu
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Ruojiao Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Luying Gao
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yuxin Jiang
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- National Ultrasound Quality Control Center, Beijing 100730, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Chen L, Cheng M. Exploring Chinese Elderly's Trust in the Healthcare System: Empirical Evidence from a Population-Based Survey in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16461. [PMID: 36554341 PMCID: PMC9779095 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This research aims to investigate how much the Chinese elderly trust the healthcare system and the critical factors that influence their trust. We use data from the China Social Survey (CSS) collected by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in the year 2019 to examine how demographic factors, social-economic status, internet access, and perceptions of the healthcare system impact the Chinese elderly's trust in the healthcare system. Our research finds male gender, high educational level, and having internet access are negatively related to the elderly's trust in the healthcare system. Our research also reveals that the elderly's trust in the healthcare system was significantly related to their subjective perception of their social-economic status, upward mobility, and perception of accessibility and affordability rather than other objective indicators such as income and financial protection. The results imply that the elderly have a pessimistic expectation of their subjective social status and future possibilities of upward mobility in their later life, which deepens their distrust of the health system. Additionally, the accessibility and affordability of the healthcare system have remained problematic among the Chinese elderly. The study provides important theoretical and practical implications to enhance the elderly's trust in the healthcare system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- School of Journalism and Communication, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Miaoting Cheng
- Department of Educational Technology, Faculty of Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Yang Y, Man X, Yu Z, Nicholas S, Maitland E, Huang Z, Ma Y, Shi X. Managing Urban Stroke Health Expenditures in China: Role of Payment Method and Hospital Level. Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 11:2698-2706. [PMID: 35219287 PMCID: PMC9818124 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2022.5117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke is one of the leading public health issues in China and imposes a heavy financial burden on patients and the healthcare system. This study assess which payment method provides the lowest hospital costs for China's healthcare system and the lowest out-of-pocket (OOP) expense for insured patients. METHODS This is a 4-year cross-sectional study. From the China Health Insurance Research Association (CHIRA) database, a 5% random sample of urban health insurance claims was obtained. Descriptive analysis was conducted and a generalized linear model (GLM) with a gamma distribution and a log link was estimated. RESULTS For outpatients, capitation payment had the lowest hospital cost (RMB180.9/US$28.8) and lowest OOP expenses (RMB75.6/US$12.0) per patient visit in primary hospitals compared with fee-for-service (FFS) payments. The global budget (GB) displayed the lowest total hospital costs (RMB344.7/US$54.8) in secondary hospitals, and was 27.4% (95% CI=-0.32, -0.29) lower than FFS. FFS had the lowest OOP expenses (RMB123.4/US$19.6 vs. RMB151.8/US$24.1) in secondary and tertiary hospitals. For inpatients, FFS had the lowest total hospital costs (RMB5918.7/US$941.1) per visit and capitation payments had the lowest OOP expenses (RMB876.5/US$139.4, 40.1% lower than FFS, 95% CI=-0.58, -0.15) in primary hospitals. Capitation payment had both the lowest hospital costs (RMB7342.9/US$1167.5 vs. RMB17 711.7/US$2816.2) and the lowest OOP expenses (RMB1664.2/US$264.6 vs. RMB3276.3/US$520.9) for both secondary and tertiary hospitals. CONCLUSION For outpatients in primary hospitals and inpatients in secondary and tertiary hospitals, the capitation payment was the most money-saving payment method delivering both the lowest OOP expenses for patients and the lowest hospital total costs for hospitals. We recommend that health policymakers prioritize the implementation of the payment method with the lowest OOP expenses when the payment method does not deliver both the lowest hospital costs for the health system and lowest OOP expenses for patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Yang
- Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- School of Management, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowei Man
- School of Management, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Strategy and Development, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Yu
- School of Management, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Stephen Nicholas
- Australian National Institute of Management and Commerce, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Guangdong Institute for International Strategies, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China
- School of Economics and School of Management, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
- Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Maitland
- University of Liverpool Management School, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Zhengwei Huang
- School of Management, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Ma
- China Health Insurance Research Association, Beijing, China
| | - Xuefeng Shi
- School of Management, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Strategy and Development, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Yan N, Liu T, Xu Y, Fang X, Ma X, Yang M, Du J, Tan Z, Fan EW, Huang J, Akinwunmi B, Zhang CJP, Ming WK, Luo L. Healthcare preferences of the general Chinese population in the hierarchical medical system: A discrete choice experiment. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1044550. [PMID: 36466449 PMCID: PMC9713319 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1044550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chinese health insurance system faces resource distribution challenges. A patient-centric approach allows decision-makers to be keenly aware of optimized medical resource allocation. Objective This study aims to use the discrete choice model to determine the main factors affecting the healthcare preferences of the general Chinese population and their weights in the three scenarios (chronic non-communicable diseases, acute infectious diseases, and major diseases). Methods This study firstly identified the key factors affecting people's healthcare preferences through literature review and qualitative interviews, and then designed the DCE questionnaire. An online questionnaire produced by Lighthouse Studio (version 9.9.1) software was distributed to voluntary respondents recruited from mainland China's entire population from January 2021 to June 2021. Participants were required to answer a total of 21 questions of three scenarios in the questionnaire. The multinomial logit model and latent class model were used to analyze the collected data. Results A total of 4,156 participants from mainland China were included in this study. The multinomial logit and latent class model analyses showed that medical insurance reimbursement is the most important attribute in all three disease scenarios. In the scenario of "non-communicable diseases," the attributes that participants valued were, from the most to the least, medical insurance reimbursement (45.0%), hospital-level (21.6%), distance (14.4%), cost (9.7%), waiting time (8.3%), and care provider (1.0%). As for willingness to pay (WTP), participants were willing to pay 204.5 yuan, or 1,743.8 yuan, to change from private hospitals or community hospitals to tertiary hospitals, respectively. Conclusions This study explores the healthcare preferences of Chinese residents from a new perspective, which can provide theoretical reference for the refinement of many disease medical reimbursement policies, such as developing different reimbursement ratios for various common diseases and realizing rational configuration of medical resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ni Yan
- Department of Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Taoran Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Department of Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuanbi Fang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xinyang Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhao Du
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zijian Tan
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Er-wen Fan
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Babatunde Akinwunmi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA, United States,Center for Genomic Medicine (CGM), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Casper J. P. Zhang
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai-Kit Ming
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,*Correspondence: Wai-Kit Ming
| | - Liangping Luo
- Department of Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China,Liangping Luo
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Xu T, Loban K, Wei X, Wang W. Determinants of choice of usual source of care among older people with cardiovascular diseases in China: evidence from the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1970. [PMID: 36303176 PMCID: PMC9615328 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14352-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are emerging as the leading contributor to death globally. The usual source of care (USC) has been proven to generate significant benefits for the elderly with CVD. Understanding the choice of USC would generate important knowledge to guide the ongoing primary care-based integrated health system building in China. This study aimed to analyze the individual-level determinants of USC choices among the Chinese elderly with CVD and to generate two exemplary patient profiles: one who is most likely to choose a public hospital as the USC, the other one who is most likely to choose a public primary care facility as the USC. METHODS This study was a secondary analysis using data from the World Health Organization's Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE) Wave 1 in China. 3,309 individuals aged 50 years old and over living with CVD were included in our final analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was built to analyze the determinants of USC choice. Nomogram was used to predict the probability of patients' choice of USC. RESULTS Most of the elderly suffering from CVD had a preference for public hospitals as their USC compared with primary care facilities. The elderly with CVD aged 50 years old, being illiterate, residing in rural areas, within the poorest income quintile, having functional deficiencies in instrumental activities of daily living and suffering one chronic condition were found to be more likely to choose primary care facilities as their USC with the probability of 0.85. Among those choosing primary care facilities as their USC, older CVD patients with the following characteristics had the highest probability of choosing public primary care facilities as their USC, with the probability of 0.77: aged 95 years old, being married, residing in urban areas, being in the richest income quintile, being insured, having a high school or above level of education, and being able to manage activities living. CONCLUSIONS Whilst public primary care facilities are the optimal USC for the elderly with CVD in China, most of them preferred to receive health care in public hospitals. This study suggests that the choice of USC for the elderly living with CVD was determined by different individual characteristics. It provides evidence regarding the choice of USC among older Chinese patients living with CVD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiange Xu
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Katya Loban
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Xiaolin Wei
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Wenhua Wang
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Impacts of Internet Use on Chinese Patients' Trust-Related Primary Healthcare Utilization. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10102114. [PMID: 36292561 PMCID: PMC9602738 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10102114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The internet has greatly improved the availability of medical knowledge and may be an important avenue to improve patients’ trust in physicians and promote primary healthcare seeking by reducing information asymmetry. However, very few studies have addressed the interactive impacts of both patients’ internet use and trust on primary healthcare-seeking decisions. Objective: To explore the impact of internet use on the relationship between patients’ trust in physicians and primary healthcare seeking among Chinese adults 18 years of age and older to understand the varieties of effects in different cities. Methods: Generalized linear mixed models were applied to investigate the interactive impacts of internet use and patients’ trust in physicians on primary healthcare seeking using pooled data from the China Family Panel Study of 2014 to 2018. We also compared these effects based on different levels of urbanization, ages, and PHC services. Results: Overall, a higher degree of patients’ trust (p < 0.001) was able to directly predict better primary healthcare seeking, and internet use significantly increased the positive effect of patients’ trust on primary healthcare seeking (p < 0.001). However, the marginal effect analysis showed that this effect was related to the level of patients’ trust and that internet use could reduce the positive effect of patients’ trust on primary healthcare seeking when the individual had a low level of trust (≤ 3 units). Further, the heterogeneity analysis indicated that the benefits from internet use were higher in cities with high urbanization, high aging, and high PHC service levels compared to cities with low levels of these factors. Conclusions: The internet use may enhance patients’ trust-related PHC utilization. However, this impact is effective only if patients’ benchmark trust remains at a relatively high level. Comparatively, the role of internet use is more effective in areas with high urbanization, high aging and high PHC level. Thus, with increasing accessibility to the internet, the internet should be regulated to disseminate correct healthcare information. Moreover, in-depth integration of the internet and PHC should be promoted to provide excellent opportunities for patient participation, and different strategies should be set according to each city’s characteristics.
Collapse
|
49
|
Liang C, Zhao Y, Yu C, Sang P, Yang L. Hierarchical medical system and local medical performance: A quasi-natural experiment evaluation in Shanghai, China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:904384. [PMID: 36324471 PMCID: PMC9619052 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.904384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In order to maintain high standards of healthcare, it is necessary for medical departments to provide high-quality and affordable medical services to local residents. This has been widely accepted in developed countries, while the medical treatment systems in developing countries remain to be improved. This research is based on a pilot of a hierarchical medical system in Shanghai, China, to evaluate the effects on policy of medical reform in developing countries. Methods and results By means of the difference-in-differences (DID) method, the causal relationship between medical care services' improvement and hierarchical medical systems' implementation could be identified. This project also explores the differential effects of policy intervention and confirms that the pilot showed a significant improvement in medical performance in central districts while the result remains uncertain in terms of suburban districts. Furthermore, the dynamic effect of a hierarchical medical system has also been identified with the event study method, while the policy pilot only had short-term effects on local medical resources' improvement. In order to ascertain the function mechanisms of hierarchical medical systems and explain why the policy pilot only had short-term effects, this project also conducts influencing mechanism analysis with the triple-differences method (also known as difference-in-difference-in-differences or DDD method). According to the empirical results, there is no direct evidence indicating the hierarchical medical system could bring obvious benefits from the perspectives of patients and medical institutions. Conclusions For better implementation of hierarchical medical systems in the future, long-term supervision mechanisms should be given more attention in the enforcement process of hierarchical medical systems. At the same time, more safeguarding measures should be implemented, such as supervising the payment systems of the medical institution and conducting performance evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liang
- School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihang Zhao
- School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Yihang Zhao
| | - Chenglong Yu
- School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Sang
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Long Yang
- School of Computer Science, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Wu F, Wang N, Qu Y. Where does residents' choice of primary medical treatment come from?-A logical analysis based on the perspective of service accessibility and residents' cognition. Front Public Health 2022; 10:949622. [PMID: 36324459 PMCID: PMC9618942 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.949622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The uneven distribution of medical and health resources leads to changes in the choice of patients for medical treatment, which is the key to restrict the reform of medical services in China currently. Taking service accessibility and residents' cognition as the starting point, this study utilized the data from the questionnaire and applied logistic regression and mediation test. By taking service accessibility as an explanatory variable and residents' cognition as an intermediary variable, the study examined the differences between residents' choice of medical treatment at the primary and non-primary levels. Thus, the influencing factors of residents' choice of medical treatment at the primary level were explored. The research statistics came from questionnaires of 1,589 residents in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. The results showed that service accessibility and residents' cognition were significantly correlated with the residents' choice of primary medical treatment. Household registration, age, the signing situation with family doctors, hospital service fees, and distance to the hospital were positively related to residents' choice of primary medical treatment; while the reputation, scale, residents' income, and the reimbursement ratio of residents' medical insurance were negatively correlated with the choice. In addition, residents' cognition played an intermediary effect between service accessibility and the residents' choice of primary medical treatment. The signing situation with family doctors indirectly affected the choice of primary medical treatment through residents' cognition, and residents' cognition masked some negative influence of the reimbursement ratio of residents' medical insurance on the choice of primary medical treatment.
Collapse
|