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The incentive plan: an approach for modification of physician behavior
American Journal of Public Health
|February 1, 1984
Summary
Blue Shield of Massachusetts motivated obstetricians/gynecologists to reduce average length of stay (ALOS) for deliveries and hysterectomies. Further research is needed to confirm physician behavior changes as the cause.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Medical Economics
- Physician Behavior Studies
Background:
- Rising healthcare costs in the early 1980s prompted investigations into hospital resource utilization.
- Average Length of Stay (ALOS) was identified as a key metric for cost containment in obstetrics and gynecology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of motivating a physician group to reduce ALOS for specific procedures.
- To evaluate the impact of targeted interventions on inpatient resource use.
Main Methods:
- A one-year study conducted by Blue Shield of Massachusetts in 1981.
- Focused on a cohort of obstetrician/gynecologists.
- Monitored ALOS for normal deliveries, cesarean sections, and hysterectomies.
Main Results:
- The participating group successfully decreased ALOS for all three studied procedures.
- Demonstrated a measurable reduction in the duration of inpatient care.
Conclusions:
- Physician motivation can lead to reduced ALOS in obstetrics and gynecology.
- Further investigation is necessary to isolate the specific impact of physician behavior modification on ALOS reduction.