Analysis of the medical service capacity of primary healthcare in Zhejiang province / 中华医院管理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the medical service capacity of primary healthcare in Zhejiang province since the ongoing healthcare reform and put forward suggestions. Methods Key indicators of healthcare resources and medical service utilization from 2009 to 2015 reflecting the primary healthcare were identified,for a quantitative analysis in terms of the structure-process-outcome dimensions. Results In terms of structural service capacity,the average headcount growth rate of primary healthcare′s technical personnel was 5. 7% per year; the personnel competence structure kept improving; the hospital beds at primary institutions and their ratio among all were slightly decreased,with better devices and informatization. In terms of procedural service capacity,the proportion of primary institutions with contract-based services amounted to 89. 9%,with the standard contract signing rate up to 18. 8%. In terms of consequential service capacity,the average growth rate of the number of outpatient visits at primary institutions was 6. 3%. The amount and proportion of inpatients were slightly decreased,while the hospital bed utilization ratio was increased slightly. Conclusions It is necessary to further strengthen the training and introduction of primary healthcare professionals. The functional orientation of hospitals at various levels should be clarified, encouraging contract-signing of general practitioners, promote the medical insurance payment reform featuring the capitation payment at primary level,and improve the income distribution and incentive mechanism.