| Autor: |
CAMPBELL, ADELLA, HENRY, FITZROY, TENNANT, VANESA M. |
| Předmět: |
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| Zdroj: |
Journal of Arts Science & Technology; Mar2022, Vol. 14 Issue 1, p93-105, 13p |
| Abstrakt: |
Charges for health care (user fees) are major barriers to some individuals’ ability to access health services when required. Further, the user fee policy in Jamaica has important political, financial and health implications. This 2016 multi-layered study examined the utilisation of health services before, during, and after the introduction of the 2008 user fees policy. Using a mixed methods evaluation design, we found that clients from the lower socio-economic group used the health services more often after the abolition of user fees. The use of public hospitals increased (19%) while the use of private doctors declined (24%) when utilisation before and after the policy change was compared. More users now had access to health services through the use of the National Health Fund Cards, when compared with utilisation before the removal of charges. Key problems encountered by the users were long waiting time (57.1%), drugs unavailability (49.3%), and inability to do the prescribed test (36.5%). In addition, the analysis shows that the quality of care received was a significant predictor of satisfaction with the new policy. The lesson learned for main stakeholders in the public health system is that service management must improve, and more resources be mobilised to avert erosion of these health gains. The findings of this study will no doubt give insights that may aid in planning health-related programmes and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Databáze: |
Complementary Index |
| Externí odkaz: |
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