Volume 23, Issue 2 (8-2024)
jhosp 2024, 23(2): 194-204 |
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Ameri E. Evaluation of the Policy on Reducing Out-of-Pocket Expenses for Hospitalized Patients in Teaching Hospitals of Golestan University of Medical Sciences. jhosp 2024; 23 (2) :194-204
URL: http://jhosp.tums.ac.ir/article-1-6679-en.html
URL: http://jhosp.tums.ac.ir/article-1-6679-en.html
School of Allied Medical Sciences, Golestan University of Medical Science, Gorgan, Iran. *Corresponding Author Email: ehsan_ameri59@yahoo.com
Abstract: (33 Views)
Background and purpose: As part of Iran’s Health System Transformation Plan (HSTP), the first service package aimed to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for hospitalized patients in hospitals affiliated with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the policy in reducing patient payments at teaching hospitals under Golestan University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between 2021 and 2022. A total of 384 participants—including healthcare workers, medical staff, and physicians—were randomly selected from teaching hospitals affiliated with Golestan University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using a 35-item researcher-designed questionnaire, validated by experts, with a Cronbach's alpha reliability score of 0.83. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, and a one-sample t-test.
Results: Indicate a gap of -0.11 between the current situation and the desired outcome of the HSTP’s first axis (reducing patient payments). Analysis using the gap analysis matrix revealed that the primary shortcoming is in regulatory oversight.
Conclusion: While the Health System Transformation Plan has successfully reduced out-of-pocket expenses for hospitalized patients, it has not fully met the program’s intended financial relief targets. Further policy adjustments are required, particularly in expanding universal insurance coverage and ensuring adequate financial resource allocation to improve accessibility and affordability for patients.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between 2021 and 2022. A total of 384 participants—including healthcare workers, medical staff, and physicians—were randomly selected from teaching hospitals affiliated with Golestan University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using a 35-item researcher-designed questionnaire, validated by experts, with a Cronbach's alpha reliability score of 0.83. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, and a one-sample t-test.
Results: Indicate a gap of -0.11 between the current situation and the desired outcome of the HSTP’s first axis (reducing patient payments). Analysis using the gap analysis matrix revealed that the primary shortcoming is in regulatory oversight.
Conclusion: While the Health System Transformation Plan has successfully reduced out-of-pocket expenses for hospitalized patients, it has not fully met the program’s intended financial relief targets. Further policy adjustments are required, particularly in expanding universal insurance coverage and ensuring adequate financial resource allocation to improve accessibility and affordability for patients.
Keywords: Health Policy, Health System Transformation Plan, Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Universal Insurance, Patient Financial Burden
Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
مدیریت مالی و اقتصاد در بیمارستان
Received: 2024/05/23 | Accepted: 2024/12/21 | Published: 2025/03/4
Received: 2024/05/23 | Accepted: 2024/12/21 | Published: 2025/03/4
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