provider-performance-in-treating-poor-patients-factors-influencing-prescribing

A study examining the appropriateness and expenditure for treatment for poor patients by hospitals in three provinces of Laos. The authors conducted structured interviews with 828 in-patients at twelve provincial and district hospitals on the subject of insurance protection, income and expenditures for treatment, including informal payment. They then evaluated each patient’s medical record for appropriateness of drug use using a checklist of treatment guidelines. The results show no significant difference in appropriateness of care for patients at different income levels, but higher expenditures for patients with the highest income level. The score for appropriate drug use in insured patients was significantly higher than uninsured patients, and the length of stay in days significantly shorter.