T.A.M. Spil, R.W. Schuring and M.B. Michel-Verkerke
International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, Vol.6, 2004, p.32-55
A multiple case study of 56 Dutch GPs revealed that the Electronic Prescription System (EPS) is not used in at least 72% of cases. Low use arose from inadequate resources (e.g. a lack of fast PCs) and failure of the system to meet user needs.
R. Layte and B. Nolan
The Economic and Social Review, Vol. 35, 2004, p.111-134
The article examines the distribution of health care service utilisation in Ireland and explores whether it is equitable across income groups. It sets out a definition of equity - that people with the same health needs should have the same level of treatment, regardless of income - before looking at the use of different levels of health care services, including inpatient and outpatient hospital services, GPs and dental and optician services. Results showed that although hospital services were generally neutral in their distribution across income groups, those with lower incomes used their GPs significantly more than their better off peers and use of dentists and opticians was mainly by more advantaged income groups. The study found that most of these differences could be explained in terms of "need" factors, with the exception of GP services, where utilisation by those with lower incomes was found to be greater than their predicted need.
Social Science and Medicine, Vol. 59, 2004, p.2313-2323
The paper seeks to assess the major issues surrounding foreign direct investment in health services through a systematic review of the literature. The perspective taken is one of the protection and promotion of health, most especially in low- and middle-income countries, and the article is therefore concerned with the "import" of FDI. Current research suggests that:
D.E. Seale and others
International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, Vol.6, 2004, p.91-107
Despite general agreement that many healthcare needs can be met and addressed through telemedicine, most telemedicine systems are underused and provision of services is difficult to sustain. The article outlines five steps for establishing baseline utilisation and assuring long term growth and sustainability along with field-tested techniques for achieving each. The five steps are: identifying strategic partners, developing local champions, engaging the project team, securing executive buy-in and governing community support.
International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, Vol.6, 2004, p.83-90
The article reports on results from a cross-sectional study of GP attitudes towards computerisation in the Illawarra region of New South Wales. Results of a postal survey in 2001 were compared to results gathered in 1999. Results show that GPs have continued to use computers and a software programme called Medical Director (MD) for a range of functions since the Illawarra Coordinated Care Trial in 1999. There is a high use of MD for prescription writing and a low use for patient clinical records. GPs associate the use of computers and MD with improved information management and work practices despite problems with system crashes, viruses and data loss.
H.R. Waters and P. Hussey
Health Policy, Vol.70, 2004, p.175-184
The article explores the costs and pricing of health care services for health care purchasers. It identifies the main factors influencing price setting: provider payment systems (capitation, case-based payment and fee-for-service payment), information available on actual costs, service volumes and outcomes and the characteristics of providers and purchasers. It then presents case studies from countries using one of the different payment systems. The article concludes with advice on developing provider payment systems for low- and middle-income countries.
P. Brown and S. Zavestoski
Sociology of Health and Illness, Vol.26, 2004, p.679-694
The article explores health social movements, and explains their importance. It demonstrates how social movements can engage in scientific knowledge production, thus democratising and reshaping social policy in order to transform the socioeconomic and political conditions that shape the health of society.
J.A. Olsen and others
Health Policy, Vol.70, 2004, p.217-228
The article considers whether people are more willing to pay for health care through insurance premiums or taxation contributions. A split sample survey was taken in Denmark in which two groups of respondents were presented with two different versions of a questionnaire. Results showed that more people were willing to pay in the community (taxation) version although respondents gave different reasons for being or not being willing to pay.