Realigning the incentive system for China's primary healthcare providers.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Ma X
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6598721 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Realigning the incentive system for China's primary healthcare providers.
Ma Xiaochen X Wang Hong H Yang Li L Shi Leiyu L Liu Xiaoyun X
BMJ (Clinical research ed.) 20190621
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Project description: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.
| S-EPMC10566320 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundGeneral practitioners are the main providers of primary care services. To better strengthen the important role of general practitioners in primary healthcare services, China is promoting the general practitioners' office system. There is a lack of well-accepted methods to measure the performance of general practitioner offices in China. We thus aim to develop a systematic and operable performance measurement system for evaluating the general practitioner's office.MethodsWe establish an index pool of the performance measurement system of general practitioners' offices by a cross-sectional study and the literature research method and adopt the focus group method to establish the preliminary system. The Delphi method is then used to conduct three rounds of consultation to modify indices, which aims to form the final indicator system. We determine the weight of each index by the analytic hierarchy process method, which together with the final indicator system constitutes the final performance measurement system. Finally, we select three offices from three different cities in Sichuan Province, China, as case offices to conduct the case study, aiming to assess its credibility.ResultsOur results show that the first office scored 958.5 points, the second scored 768.1 points, and the third scored 947.7 points, which corresponds to the reality of these three offices, meaning that the performance measurement system is effective and manoeuvrable.ConclusionsOur study provides support for standardizing the functions of China's general practitioner's office, improving the health service quality of generalists, and providing a theoretical basis for the standardization of the general practitioner's office.
| S-EPMC9491001 | biostudies-literature
Project description: Not available
| S-EPMC8679563 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe World Health Organization issued recommendations to guide the process of integrating mental health services into primary healthcare. However, there has been general as well as context specific shortcomings in the implementation of these recommendations. In Uganda, mental health services are intended to be decentralized and integrated into general healthcare, but, the services are still underutilized especially in rural areas.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore the health systems constraints to the integration of mental health services into PHC in Uganda from the perspective of primary health care providers (PHCPs).MethodsThis was a cross sectional qualitative study guided by the Supporting the Use of Research Evidence (SURE) framework. We used a semi-structured interview guide to gain insight into the health systems constraints faced by PHCPs in integrating mental health services into PHC.ResultsKey health systems constraints to integrating mental health services into PHC identified included inadequate practical experience during training, patient flow processes, facilities, human resources, gender related factors and challenges with accessibility of care.ConclusionThere is need to strengthen the training of healthcare providers as well as improving the health care system that supports health workers. This would include periodic mental healthcare in-service training for PHCPs; the provision of adequate processes for outreach, and receiving, referring and transferring patients with mental health problems; empowering PHCPs at all levels to manage and treat mental health problems and adequately provide the necessary medical supplies; and increase the distribution of health workers across the health facilities to address the issue of high workload and compromised quality of care provided.
| S-EPMC6429816 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundDuring the post-pandemic era, there has been growing anxiety regarding health security, especially among the middle class worldwide. The public's confidence in the healthcare system encompasses their expectations and perceptions of the healthcare system's ability to meet their needs without financial hardship. This study aims to examine the disparities of confidence and to identify potential vulnerable subgroups.MethodsAdopting the China General Social Survey (CGSS) 2021, we performed multivariate logistic regression to analyze the associations between confidence level and socioeconomic classes, controlling for demographics.ResultsAmong all respondents (n = 2341), 71% reported confidence. However, respondents identified as lower-middle class had the least likelihood of reporting confidence (OR = 0.64, p = 0.006) compared to the lowest social class. De facto married respondents had 21% lower odds of confidence (OR = 0.78, p = 0.046) compared to unpartnered respondents.ConclusionsOur findings reveal that, contrary to expectations, the lower-middle class in China-rather than the lowest social strata-exhibits the least confidence in the healthcare system. This low confidence appears closely linked to heightened insecurity about downward social mobility stemming from catastrophic healthcare expenditure. Moreover, married individuals also revealed low level of confidence in the healthcare system. These results underscore the urgent need for universal healthcare policies in China and similar emerging economies that specifically address the unique health security concerns of the lower-middle class and consider the dynamics inherent in marriages and families associated.
| S-EPMC11917120 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundPrimary health care (PHC) was a keystone toward achieving universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). China has made efforts to strengthen its PHC institutions. As part of such efforts, regular in-service training is crucial for primary healthcare workers (PHWs) to strengthen their knowledge and keep their skills up to date.ObjectiveTo investigate if and how the existing training arrangements influenced the competence and job satisfaction of PHWs in township hospitals (THs).MethodsA mixed method approach was employed. We analyzed the associations between in-service training and competence, as well as between in-service training and job satisfaction of PHWs using logistic regression. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using NVivo12 to better understand the trainings and the impacts on PHWs.ResultsThe study found that training was associated with competence for all the types of PHWs except nurses. The odds of higher competence for physicians who received long-term training were 3.60 (p < 0.01) and that of those who received both types of training was 2.40 (p < 0.01). PHWs who received short-term training had odds of higher competence significantly (OR = 1.710, p < 0.05). PHWs who received training were more satisfied than their untrained colleagues in general (OR = 1.638, p < 0.01). Specifically, physicians who received short-term training (OR = 1.916, p < 0.01) and who received both types of training (OR = 1.941, p < 0.05) had greater odds of general job satisfaction. The odds ratios (ORs) of general job satisfaction for nurses who received short-term training was 2.697 (p < 0.01), but this association was not significant for public health workers. The interview data supported these results, and revealed how training influenced competence and satisfaction.ConclusionsConsidering existing evidence that competence and satisfaction serve as two major determinants of health workers' performance, to further improve PHWs' performance, it is necessary to provide sufficient training opportunities and improve the quality of training.
| S-EPMC7713157 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BACKGROUND:In response to the rising burden of cardiovascular risk factors, the Malaysian government has implemented Enhanced Primary Healthcare (EnPHC) interventions in July 2017 at public clinic level to improve management and clinical outcomes of type 2 diabetes and hypertensive patients. Healthcare providers (HCPs) play crucial roles in healthcare service delivery and health system reform can influence HCPs' job satisfaction. However, studies evaluating HCPs' job satisfaction following primary care transformation remain scarce in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to evaluate the effects of EnPHC interventions on HCPs' job satisfaction. METHODS:This is a quasi-experimental study conducted in 20 intervention and 20 matched control clinics. We surveyed all HCPs who were directly involved in patient management. A self-administered questionnaire which included six questions on job satisfaction were assessed on a scale of 1-4 at baseline (April and May 2017) and post-intervention phase (March and April 2019). Unadjusted intervention effect was calculated based on absolute differences in mean scores between intervention and control groups after implementation. Difference-in-differences analysis was used in the multivariable linear regression model and adjusted for providers and clinics characteristics to detect changes in job satisfaction following EnPHC interventions. A negative estimate indicates relative decrease in job satisfaction in the intervention group compared with control group. RESULTS:A total of 1042 and 1215 HCPs responded at baseline and post-intervention respectively. At post-intervention, the intervention group reported higher level of stress with adjusted differences of - 0.139 (95% CI -0.266,-0.012; p = 0.032). Nurses, being the largest workforce in public clinics were the only group experiencing dissatisfaction at post-intervention. In subgroup analysis, nurses from intervention group experienced increase in work stress following EnPHC interventions with adjusted differences of - 0.223 (95% CI -0.419,-0.026; p = 0.026). Additionally, the same group were less likely to perceive their profession as well-respected at post-intervention (β = - 0.175; 95% CI -0.331,-0.019; p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS:Our findings suggest that EnPHC interventions had resulted in some untoward effect on HCPs' job satisfaction. Job dissatisfaction can have detrimental effects on the organisation and healthcare system. Therefore, provider experience and well-being should be considered before introducing healthcare delivery reforms to avoid overburdening of HCPs.
| S-EPMC7158075 | biostudies-literature
Project description:AimThis work aimed to evaluate a pre/post-reform pilot study from 2015 to 2018 in a rural county of Zhejiang Province, China to realign the provider payment system for primary health care (PHC).MethodsData were extracted from the National Health Financial Annual Reports for the 21 township health centers (THCs) in Shengzhou County. An information system was designed for the reform. Differences among independent groups were assessed using Kruskal-Wallis H-test. Dunn's post hoc test was used for multiple comparisons. Differences between paired groups were tested by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Two-tailed P < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Data were processed and analyzed using R 3.6.1 for Windows.FindingsFirst, payments to THCs shifted from a "soft budget" to a mixed system of line-item input-based and categorized output-based payments, accounting for 17.54% and 82.46%, respectively, of total revenue in 2017. Second, providers were more motivated to deliver services after the reform; total volumes increased by 27.80%, 19.22%, and 30.31% for inpatient visits, outpatient visits, and the National Essential Public Health Services Package (NEPHSP), respectively. Third, NEPHSP payments were shifted from capitation to resource-based relative value scale (RBRVS) payments, resulting in a change in the NEPHSP subsidy from 36.41 to 67.35 per capita among the 21 THCs in 2017. Fourth, incentive merit pay to primary health physicians accounted for 38.40% of total salary, and the average salary increased by 32.74%, with a 32.45% increase in working intensity. A small proportion of penalties for unqualified products and pay-for-performance rewards were blended with the payments. The reform should be modified to motivate providers in remote areas.ConclusionIn the context of a profit-driven, hospital-centered system, add-on payments - including categorized output-based payments to THCs and incentive merit pay to primary care physicians (PCPs) - are probably worth pursuing to achieve more active and output/outcome-based PHC in China.
| S-EPMC7577833 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundDelivery of effective healthcare is contingent on the quality of communication between the patient and the healthcare provider. Little is known about primary healthcare providers' perceptions of communication with patients in Rwanda.AimTo explore providers' perceptions of patient-provider communication (PPC) and analyse the ways in which providers present and reflect on communication practice and problems.MethodsQualitative, in-depth, semi structured interviews with nine primary health care providers. An abductive analysis supplemented by the framework method was applied. A narrative approach allowed the emergence of archetypical narratives on PPC.ResultsProviders shared rich reflections on the importance of proper communication with patients and appeared committed to making their interaction work optimally. Still, providers had difficulty critically analysing limitations of their communication in practice. Reported communication issues included lack of communication training as well as time and workload issues. Two archetypes of narratives on PPC issues and practice emerged and are discussed.ConclusionWhile providers' narratives put patients at the centre of care, there were indications that patient-provider communication training and practice need further development. In-depth exploration of highlighted issues and adapted strategies to tackle communication drawbacks are prerequisites to improvement. This study contributes to the advancement of knowledge related to communication between the patient and the provider in a resource-limited setting.
| S-EPMC5884556 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background: Healthcare services, in many countries, are increasingly being provided by cadres not trained as physicians, and these substitute health workers are referred to as mid-level health providers (MLHPs). The objective of this study was to rapidly synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of MLHPs involved in the delivery of healthcare, with a perspective on low- and middle-income countries. Methods: The review team performed an overview of systematic reviews assessing various outcomes for participants receiving care from MLHPs. The team evaluated systematic reviews for methodological quality and certainty of the evidence. Also, the review team consulted relevant stakeholders in India. Results: The final report included seven systematic reviews, with six assessed as moderate to high methodological quality. Mortality outcomes concerning pregnancy and childbirth care services showed no significant differences in care provided by MLHPs when compared with doctors. Pregnancy care provided by midwives was found to improve the quality of care slightly. The risk of failure or incomplete abortion for surgical abortion procedures provided by MLHPs was twice when compared to the procedures provided by doctors. Moderate to high certainty evidence showed that initiation and maintenance of antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected patients by a nurse or clinical officer slightly reduced mortality. High certainty evidence showed that chronic disease management by non-medical prescribers reduced some important physiological measures compared to medical prescribing by doctors. Conclusions: To date, this is the first rapid overview of the evidence on MLHPs. Low-quality evidence suggests that MLHPs might be suitable to deliver quality pregnancy care. Moderate and high-quality evidence from trials suggests that MLHPs are helpful for chronic disease management and initiation and maintenance of antiretroviral therapy in people with HIV/AIDS. However, the roles and subsequent training and regulation of MLHPs might be different for different care domains.
| S-EPMC8237370 | biostudies-literature