Structure and effectiveness of health service system of three counties in Anhui province / 中国卫生政策研究

ABSTRACT

Objective:The paper aims to explore the structure and effectiveness of three health service systems in Anhui province and provide policy recommendations to promote the integration of health care systems. Methods:By using typical sampling method, this paper conducts case study analysis of health service system in Ma’anshan, Feidong and Feixi county of Anhui province. The data mainly come from questionnaires for the institutions, doctors and patients, as well as from interviews with key informants. By integrating quantitative and qualitative data analysis, this paper uses social network analysis method to analyze the system structure and its degree of integration. Results:The degree of integration of health service structure in Ma’anshan is the highest, followed by Feixi, and Feidong is the lowest. The system effectiveness is same as the degree of integration. All three health service systems have advantages and disadvantages regarding to system integration. Conclusion:The effectiveness of health service system integration and its implementation is the product of combined effects of internal and external environment of each health service system. The reforms in Ma’anshan and Feixi health service systems have not only integrated health care structures, but also had a positive impact on the effectiveness of the health service systems.