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Abstract
ABC and VED analysis of a General Military Hospital of Athens was conducted in order to highlight expensive medical products, as a management tool. The annual consumption and expenditure incurred on each product for the year 2012 was analyzed and inventory control techniques were applied. ABC analysis revealed 5, 15 and 80 per cent products as A, B and C category products, respectively, accounting for 52, 28 and 20 per cent of annual expenditure. VED analysis showed 420, 689 and 2,101 products as V, E and D category products out of 3,210 products.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine Kastanioti
- Hellenic Open University, Greece
- Department of Health Management, Technological Educational Institute of Peloponnese, Greece
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2
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Karakolias S, Kastanioti C, Theodorou M, Polyzos N. Primary Care Doctors' Assessment of and Preferences on Their Remuneration. Inquiry 2017; 54:46958017692274. [PMID: 28240040 PMCID: PMC5798707 DOI: 10.1177/0046958017692274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite numerous studies on primary care doctors' remuneration and their job satisfaction, few of them have quantified their views and preferences on certain types of remuneration. This study aimed at reporting these views and preferences on behalf of Greek doctors employed at public primary care. We applied a 13-item questionnaire to a random sample of 212 doctors at National Health Service health centers and their satellite clinics. The results showed that most doctors deem their salary lower than work produced and lower than that of private sector colleagues. Younger respondents highlighted that salary favors dual employment and claim of informal fees from patients. Older respondents underlined the negative impact of salary on productivity and quality of services. Both incentives to work at border areas and choose general practice were deemed unsatisfactory by the vast majority of doctors. Most participants desire a combination of per capita fee with fee-for-service; however, 3 clusters with distinct preferences were formed: general practitioners (GPs) of higher medical grades, GPs of the lowest medical grade, residents and rural doctors. Across them, a descending tolerance to salary-free schemes was observed. Greek primary care doctors are dissatisfied with the current remuneration scheme, maybe more than in the past, but notably the younger doctors are not intended to leave it. However, Greek policy makers should experiment in capitation for more tolerable to risk GPs and introduce pay-for-performance to achieve enhanced access and quality. These interventions should be combined with others in primary care's new structure in an effort to converge with international standards.
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Kastanioti C. Costs, Clinical Outcomes, and Health-Related Quality of Life of Off-Pump vs. On-Pump Coronary Bypass Surgery. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2016; 6:54-9. [PMID: 16750426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcnurse.2006.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2004] [Revised: 03/23/2006] [Accepted: 04/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Off-pump coronary bypass surgery avoids the potential complications of cardiopulmonary bypass. However, its acceptance depends on medical and economic outcome. The aim of this prospective non-randomised study was to compare functional and economic outcome of off-pump and on-pump surgery at 1-year follow-up. METHODS 102 patients (pts) treated with either off-pump (60pts) or on-pump surgery (42pts) were studied. Pts with left ventricular dysfunction, recent myocardial infarction (<1 month), renal impairment, valve surgery, previous stroke or coagulopathy were excluded. Variable and fixed costs were obtained for each treatment group during operative and postoperative care. In-hospital endpoints included all-cause mortality and complications (defined as excessive bleeding [>6 units blood transfusion], peri-operative myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and infection). All cause mortality; cost-effectiveness and quality of life were assessed 1 year after surgery. RESULTS The in-hospital mortality was similar in the two treatment groups. Off-pump group had significantly fewer postoperative complication rate (off-pump 41% vs. on-pump 72%, p=0.001). The mean in-hospital cost was lower for off-pump surgery (off-pump 6.515+/-926 euro vs. on-pump 9.872+/-1.299 euro, p<0.0001) as well as the mean length of hospital stay (off-pump 4.93+/-0.93 days vs. on-pump 6.58+/-1.04 days, p<0.0001). At 1 year, all cause mortality, quality of life indices, return to work rate and treatment satisfaction was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION Off-pump myocardial revascularization maintains the advantages of conventional surgery in terms of survival and freedom from cardiac events while reducing the in-hospital cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Kastanioti
- Economic Department, University Hospital of Ioannina 1, L. Stavrou Niarchou 45500 Ioannina, Greece.
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Kastanioti C, Mavridoglou G, Karanikas H, Polyzos N. ABC analysis: a tool of effectively controlling pharmaceutical expenditure in Greek NHS hospitals. J Pharm Health Serv Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/jphs.12137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Kastanioti
- Department of Health and Welfare Unit Management; Technological Educational Institute of Peloponnese; Kalamata Greece
| | - George Mavridoglou
- Department of Health and Welfare Unit Management; Technological Educational Institute of Peloponnese; Kalamata Greece
| | - Haralampos Karanikas
- Department of Informatics and Computer Technology; Technological Educational Institute of Sterea Ellada; Lamia Greece
| | - Nikolaos Polyzos
- Department of Social Management; Democritus University of Thrace; Komotini Greece
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Polyzos N, Kastanioti C, Zilidis C, Mavridoglou G, Karakolias S, Litsa P, Menegakis V, Kani C. Greek National E-Prescribing System: Preliminary Results of a Tool for Rationalizing Pharmaceutical Use and Cost. Glob J Health Sci 2016; 8:55711. [DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v8n10p241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
<p><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> In Greece, due to the ongoing economic crisis a number of measures aiming at rationalising expenditure implemented. A new e-prescribing system, under a unified healthcare fund was the main pillar of these reforms focus on monitoring and auditing prescribing patterns.</p><p><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> Main objective of this study was to document the Greek experience with the new national e-prescribing system.</p><p><strong>METHODS:</strong> We analyse the dispensed prescriptions over the period 2013-2014, stratified into four levels: therapeutic subgroup, patent status, physician's specialty and geographical region.</p><p><strong>RESULTS</strong>: Data analysis offered a comprehensive insight into pharmaceutical expenditure over the timeframe and revealed discrepancies regarding composition of spending, brand-generic substitution within certain therapeutic subgroups, physicians’ prescribing behaviour based on medical specialty, therapeutic subgroup as well as regional per capita measures.</p><p><strong>CONCLUSIONS:</strong> E-prescribing system is a valuable tool providing sound information to health policymakers in order to monitor and rationalize pharmaceutical expenditure, in value and volume terms.</p>
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Labiris G, Fanariotis M, Kastanioti C, Alexias G, Protopapas A, Karampitsakos T, Niakas D. Greek Physicians' Perceptions on Generic Drugs in the Era of Austerity. Scientifica (Cairo) 2015; 2015:251792. [PMID: 26457225 PMCID: PMC4589622 DOI: 10.1155/2015/251792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Purpose. To assess the beliefs and preferences of Greek physicians, regarding generic drugs, in the years of financial crisis. Setting. Multicentered, nationwide survey. Material and Methods. A custom questionnaire based on former similar studies was developed and administered to Greek physicians. The variable "perception on generics" was constructed after an exploratory study and the instrument was validated by conventional and Rasch analysis methods. 22 items formed 5 subscales that constructed the variable in question. Results. 908 physicians successfully participated in the study (response rate: 80%). Mean total scores to the instrument were 60.63 ± 12.12 for men and significantly less (58.24 ± 11.73) for women (p = 0.04). Greek physicians were not persuaded on the potential economic gain (45.79 ± 10.53); moreover they identified that Greek authorities cannot address the increased pharmacovigilance mandates. Physicians working in Athens and those working in surgical units demonstrated significantly worse scores than their colleagues from the rest of Greece and those working in Internal Medicine wards (p = 0.03). Conclusion. Our results suggest an overall poor acceptance of the national initiative on generic drugs by Greek physicians. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01855802.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Labiris
- Medical School, Democritus University Medical Campus, 1st Building, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Michael Fanariotis
- Medical School, Democritus University Medical Campus, 1st Building, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Alexias
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, 26335 Patras, Greece
| | - Adonis Protopapas
- Medical School, Democritus University Medical Campus, 1st Building, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Theodoros Karampitsakos
- Medical School, Democritus University Medical Campus, 1st Building, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Dimitris Niakas
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, 26335 Patras, Greece
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Abstract
Purpose: The values are particularly important in the research of organizational culture and the person–organization (P–O) fit. This article tries to identify the culture dimensions that exist within public procurement in Greek public hospitals, based on employee characteristics. Design/methodology/approach: We have used exploratory factor analysis for the evaluation of multidimensional structure of organizational culture profile (OCP) scale. Then, we investigated the extent to which the OCP, with 54 items, that constitutes eight factors in the causative analysis of factors can be incorporated into the Quinn and Cameron theory of competitive values framework (CVF). In order to investigate this subject, we have developed a non-standard multidimensional scaling (MDS) that imposes the OCP on the solution space with the permutation test that evaluates the cohesion of engagements, which represents MDS and then we have extended our work to test our results by using structural equations modelling (AMOS). Findings: Internal consistency of all components was moderate to strong (a = 0.61 until 0.89). We realized that the OCP can be incorporated in the CVF, in a way the four quadrants which emerged have been formulated in four types of organizational culture. Research limitations/implications: The results have implied that the P–O fit can be assessed simply by the congruence of the person’s and the organization’s positions, measuring organizational culture in a way that is consistent with the CVF. Practical implications: We believe that our preliminary study can serve as an audit tool for managers and policy makers as well as a guide for recruitment of new employees in health care sector. Originality/value: This research fills the gap between organizational culture and the P–O fit in procurement offices in Greek public hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine Kastanioti
- Associate Professor, Technological Educational Institute of Peloponnese, Kalamata, Greece
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Polyzos N, Karakolias S, Dikeos C, Theodorou M, Kastanioti C, Mama K, Polizoidis P, Skamnakis C, Tsairidis C, Thireos E. The introduction of Greek Central Health Fund: Has the reform met its goal in the sector of Primary Health Care or is there a new model needed? BMC Health Serv Res 2014; 14:583. [PMID: 25421631 PMCID: PMC4255662 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-014-0583-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The National Organization for Healthcare Provision (EOPYY) originates from the recent reform in Greek healthcare, aiming amidst economic predicament, at the rationalization of health expenditure and reactivation of the pivotal role of Primary Health Care (PHC). Health funding (public/private) mix is examined, alongside the role of pre-existing health insurance funds. The main pursuit of this paper is to evaluate whether EOPYY has met its goals. METHODS The article surveys for best practices in advanced health systems and similar sickness funds. The main benchmarks focus on PHC provision and providers' reimbursement. It then turns to an analysis of EOPYY, focusing on specific questions and searching the relevant databases. It compares the best practice examples to the EOPYY (alongside further developments set by new legislation in L 4238/14), revealing weaknesses relevant to non-integrated PHC network, unbalanced manpower, non-gatekeeping, under-financing and other funding problems caused by the current crisis. Finally, a new model of medical procedures cost accounting was tested in health centers. RESULTS An alternative operation of EOPYY functioning primarily as an insurer whereas its proprietary units are integrated with these of the NHS is proposed. The paper claims it is critical to revise the current induced demand favorable reimbursement system, via per capita payments for physicians combined with extra pay-for-performance payments, while cost accounting corroborates a prospective system for NHS's and EOPYY's units, under a combination of global budgets and Ambulatory Patient Groups (APGs) CONCLUSIONS Self-critical points on the limitations of results due to lack of adequate data (not) given by EOPYY are initially raised. Then the issue concerning the debate between 'copying' benchmarks and 'a la cart' selectively adopting and adapting best practices from wider experience is discussed, with preference to the latter. The idea of an 'a la cart' choice of international examples is proposed. The 'results' discussing EOPYY's dual function and induced-demand favorable reimbursement system are further critically examined. International experience shows evidence of effective alternatives, such as per capita and pay-for-performance payments for practicing doctors as well as per case reimbursement for health centers under global budget principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikos Polyzos
- />Department of Social Administration and Political Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
| | - Stefanos Karakolias
- />Department of Social Administration and Political Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
| | - Costas Dikeos
- />Department of Social Administration and Political Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
| | - Mamas Theodorou
- />Faculty of Economics and Management, Open University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Catherine Kastanioti
- />Department of Management of Enterprises and Organizations, ATEI of Peloponnese, Kalamata, Greece
| | - Kalomira Mama
- />Department of Social Administration and Political Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
| | - Periklis Polizoidis
- />Department of Social Administration and Political Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
| | - Christoforos Skamnakis
- />Department of Social Administration and Political Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
| | - Charalampos Tsairidis
- />Department of Social Administration and Political Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
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9
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Gourzoulidis G, Kontodimopoulos N, Kastanioti C, Bellali T, Goumas K, Voudigaris D, Polyzos N. Do self-perceptions of emotional intelligence predict health-related quality of life? A case study in hospital managers in Greece. Glob J Health Sci 2014; 7:210-9. [PMID: 25560350 PMCID: PMC4796501 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v7n1p210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Revised: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine HRQoL outcome and EI of managers of Health Organizations. We collected data from 120 general managers of Greek public hospitals who completed the Assessing Emotions Scale (AES) and the SF-36 Health Survey. The results showed that male managers generally exhibited better HRQoL and slightly worse EI than females, although differences were not significant throughout. The three EI factors of the AES addressing appraisal, optimism/regulation and utilization of emotions correlated from 0.18 to 0.39 with sub-dimensions of HRQoL mostly related to mental -rather than physical- aspects of health, and were also significant predictors of HRQoL. There was a noteworthy gender difference in the manner in which EI predicted HRQoL and this suggests more testing. Overall, this study might enrich the potential for EI studies in Greece as well as to contribute to the international literature.
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Dimitrios B, Kastanioti C, Maria T, Dimitris N. The Influence of Organizational Culture on Job Satisfaction of Administrative Employees at a Public Hospital. Journal of Health Management 2014. [DOI: 10.1177/0972063414526108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The case study aims in outlining the organizational culture that exists at a General Hospital of Larissa in Greece, measuring the satisfaction which the administrative employees of the hospital acquire through their job and correlating these two variables. The total population of the survey was the 100 administrative employees that work in General Hospital of Larissa. The survey was conducted during May and June 2013. The research tools used were the questionnaires developed by Cameron and Quinn (1999) and Spector (1994). Regarding the organizational culture, the survey revealed that the dominant culture in a General Hospital of Larissa is the culture of Hierarchy, while the desired culture differs from the derailing one. On the other hand, the participants appear to have low levels of job satisfaction, mainly regarding their satisfaction by their rewards. Finally, the study proved statistically that the organizational culture of General Hospital of Larissa does not seriously influences the job satisfaction of the administrative employees of the hospital.
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11
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Kontodimopoulos N, Kastanioti C, Thireos E, Karanikas H, Polyzos N. The contribution of generic substitution to rationalizing pharmaceutical expenditure in Greek public hospitals under recent economic crisis. Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/jphs.12032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine Kastanioti
- Health Procurement Committee; Ministry of Health; Athens Greece
- Department of Health and Welfare Unit Management; TEI of Kalamata; Antikalamos Kalamata Greece
| | | | - Haralampos Karanikas
- Health Procurement Committee; Ministry of Health; Athens Greece
- Department of Informatics and Computer Technology; TEI of Lamia; Lamia Greece
| | - Nikolaos Polyzos
- Department of Social Management; Democritus University of Thrace; Komotini Greece
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Polyzos N, Karanikas H, Thireos E, Kastanioti C, Kontodimopoulos N. Reforming reimbursement of public hospitals in Greece during the economic crisis: Implementation of a DRG system. Health Policy 2012; 109:14-22. [PMID: 23062311 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2012.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Revised: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Until recently, in-patient NHS hospital care in Greece was reimbursed via an anachronistic and under-priced retrospective per diem system, which has been held primarily responsible for continuous budget deficits. The purpose of this paper is to present the efforts of the Ministry of Health (MoH) to implement a new DRG-based payment system. METHODS As in many countries, the decision was to adopt a patient classification from abroad and to refine it for use in Greece with national data. Pricing was achieved with a combination of activity-based costing with data from selected Greek hospitals, and "imported" cost weights. Data collection, IT support and monitoring are provided via ESY.net, a web-based facility developed and implemented by the MoH. RESULTS After an initial pilot testing of the classification in 20 hospitals, complete DRG reimbursement data was reported by 113 hospitals (85% of total) for the fourth quarter of 2011. The recorded monthly increase in patient discharges billed with the new system and in revenue implies increasing adaptability by the hospitals. However, the unfavorable inlier vs. outlier distribution of discharges and revenue observed in some health regions signifies the need for corrective actions. CONCLUSIONS The importance of this reimbursement reform is discussed in light of the current crisis faced by the Greek economy. There is yet much to be done and many projects are currently in progress to support this effort; however the first cost containment results are encouraging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Polyzos
- Department of Social Management, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
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13
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Iliadi V, Kastanioti C, Maropoulos G, Niakas D. Inappropriately repeated lipid tests in a tertiary hospital in Greece: the magnitude and cost of the phenomenon. Hippokratia 2012; 16:261-6. [PMID: 23935295 PMCID: PMC3738735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Demand and costs of laboratory testing are increasing worldwide. It seems that a considerable proportion of the tests requested do not follow the published guidelines. Tests comprising the lipid profile are advised for the entire population, as determinants of cardiovascular risk. Published guidelines exist for different groups of the population. This study is an attempt to assess the volume and the cost of the excessive demand for laboratory measurements of lipids concerning inpatients of a tertiary teaching hospital in Athens, Greece. METHODS Tests were characterized as inappropriate through revision of guidelines for lipid measurement. The demand for laboratory measurement of lipid blood levels was studied by collecting data from the hospital's test result database. The study was conducted during the trimester October to December 2008 and 20,698 tests from 3,279 inpatients were reviewed+9. RESULTS The results of this study are consistent with international observations showing a significant percentage of clinically inappropriate laboratory tests and the consequent financial burden. The inappropriately repeated lipid tests during the trimester reached the number of 7,938 costing € 12,680 to the hospital. Almost half of the inpatients were tested more than twice a month. CONCLUSIONS Physicians' behavior is an important factor, as is derived by certain profiles of the wards studied. Guidelines are not followed when ordering lipid tests. Curtailing of these excessive laboratory tests has been shown to be feasible using cheap strategies and will yield considerable benefits for patients and hospitals alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Iliadi
- Department of Medical Biopathology, General Hospital of Athens Laiko, Athens, Greece
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14
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Kastanioti C, Kontodimopoulos N, Stasinopoulos D, Kapetaneas N, Polyzos N. Public procurement of health technologies in Greece in an era of economic crisis. Health Policy 2012; 109:7-13. [PMID: 22502936 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2012.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Revised: 03/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Public procurement is generally an important sector of the economy and, in most countries, is controlled by the introduction of regulatory and policy mechanisms. In the Greek healthcare sector, recent legislation redefined centralized procurement through the reestablishment of a state Health Procurement Committee (EPY), with an aim to formulate a plan to reduce procurement costs of medical devices and pharmaceuticals, improve payment time, make uniform medical requests, transfer redundant materials from one hospital to another and improve management of expired products. The efforts described in this paper began in early 2010, under the co-ordination of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and with the collaboration of senior staff from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Commission (EC) and the European Central Bank (ECB). The procurement practices and policies set forth by EPY and the first measurable outcomes, in terms of cost savings, resulting from these policies are presented. The importance of these measures is discussed in light of the worst economic crisis faced by Greece since the restoration of democracy in 1974, as a result of both the world financial crisis and uncontrolled government spending.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Kastanioti
- Health Procurement Committee (EPY), Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity, Athens, Greece
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15
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Tziallas D, Kastanioti C, Kostapanos MS, Skapinakis P, Elisaf MS, Mavreas V. The impact of the metabolic syndrome on health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional study in Greece. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2012; 11:297-303. [PMID: 21398183 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcnurse.2011.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic syndrome [MetS] is a chronic, progressive and multi-complex health problem that can trigger physical, emotional and psychosocial problems. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between MetS and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as well as depressive and anxiety disorders. METHODS New consecutive patients who attended an outpatient lipid clinic for evaluation for MetS were eligible for inclusion in the study. The MetS was defined according to the new definition of International Diabetes Federation (IDF). The medical outcomes study, short form-36 (SF-36) was used to assess HRQoL. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed by a validated Greek version of the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). RESULTS Three hundred and fifty-nine subjects were involved of whom 206 [57.4%] met the diagnostic criteria for the MetS (cases) and 153 [42.6%] were free of MetS criteria (comparator group). MetS was associated with lower scores of all subscales of the SF-36 except of bodily pain. The physical component summary score of SF-36 was independently associated with gender (β = 2.41, P = .01), married or living together (β = 5.18, P = .001) and satisfactory household income (β = 5.77, P < .0001). The mental component summary score of SF-36 was independently associated with gender (β = 3.20, P = .003) and satisfactory household income (β = 3.94, P = .02). A predominance of anxiety and depressive symptoms was observed among subjects with MetS. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that subjects with MetS have significantly more impaired HRQoL than those without MetS. These findings suggest that HRQoL should be considered in the management of subjects with MetS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Tziallas
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
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16
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Tziallas D, Sawas C, Kastanioti C, Tziallas V, Kaskanis D, Patronidou S, Milionis C, Skapinakis P, Elisaf M, Mavreas V. P203 A literature review of the effect of the psychosocial risk factors on the occurrence of metabolic syndrome. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-5151(11)60157-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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17
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Tziallas D, Kastanioti C, Katsuras C, Fatourou M, Skapinakis P. 1418 A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation Programs in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2005. [DOI: 10.1177/147451510500400114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Tziallas
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Ioannina
| | - C. Kastanioti
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Ioannina
| | - C. Katsuras
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Ioannina
- Department of Cardiology, University of Ioannina School of Medicine
| | - M. Fatourou
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Ioannina
| | - P. Skapinakis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ioannina School of Medicine
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