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Evidence-based disparities: examining the gap between health expectations and experiences
Dana R Vashdi1, Yair Zalmanovitch
1LecturerSenior Lecturer, Division of Public Administration and Policy, School of political Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
Summary
The public can offer valuable insights into healthcare policy and rationing decisions. This study reveals a "responsiveness deficit," indicating unmet patient expectations across primary care, prevention, and health promotion services.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Public Policy Analysis
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Economic austerity presents challenges in healthcare rationing decisions.
- Understanding public input is crucial for effective healthcare policy.
- This study investigates public expectations versus experiences in healthcare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the public can provide meaningful data on healthcare policy.
- To assess if patients act as 'responsible citizens' in expressing healthcare needs.
- To differentiate public expectations across primary care, prevention, and health promotion.
Main Methods:
- 1,211 individuals participated in a telephone interview.
- Surveys assessed participant views on experienced and desired healthcare practices.
- A difference score was calculated to quantify the gap between expectations and experiences.
Main Results:
- A significant 'responsiveness deficit' was found across all healthcare dimensions.
- The gap between expectations and experiences was smallest for primary care.
- Gaps were larger for preventive care and health promotion compared to primary care.
Conclusions:
- The public can offer meaningful input for healthcare policy and rationing.
- Public perspectives provide a valuable addition to decision-making processes.
- Findings highlight areas for improving healthcare responsiveness to public needs.
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