http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
case study of a cost conscious perspective of health care professionals in the hospital setting and the perceived impact on quality of care
xiii, 158 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm.
The purpose of this study is to determine the cost consciousness and the commitment to quality care of health care professionals in hospitals. Determinants of both a cost consciousness perspective and a commitment to quality care perspective are also addressed. Additionally, this research investigates how the health care professionals' two perspectives relate to their perception of the impact of cost containment efforts on quality care. This study identifies differences in the cost consciousness and commitment to quality care between primary caregivers, support personnel, administrative personnel, and doctors, as well as between those with and without managerial responsibilities. Finally, the study compares the perceptions of these health care professionals at the hospital level versus their perceptions on theunit level. The cost consciousness is hypothesized to be influenced by upper management emphasis on cost containment; financial concerns of the hospital; cost related training and education; knowledge of and participation in the budget; compensation tied to cost containment; and finally, personal spending style. Commitment to quality of care is hypothesized to be influenced by upper management emphasis on quality care; quality related training or education; and participation in the quality care program. The study reveals that health care professionals believe that cost containment is important but they exhibit a higher level of is important but they exhibit a higher level of commitment to quality than cost consciousness. Attitudes differ between the hospital and departmental level on implementation issues but not on strategies and goals. education are found to influence cost consciousness.Upper management emphasis and participation in quality care programs are found to be related to commitment to quality care. Health care personnel, in general, have had little training in cost management techniques, yet they strongly believe that they are able to manage costs. In general, non-doctors espouse an idealistic position that medical decisions should be made free of cost concerns. The doctors, however, exhibit a more pragmatic approach to balancing quality of care and cost containment. Health care professionals indicate a strong belief that cost containment efforts imposed on hospitals by third-party payers have negatively impacted quality of patient care.
Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilms Inc.
Includes bibliographical references: pages 144-149.