Quality Requirements for Cross-Border Care in Europe
Author Information
Author(s): O Groene, P Poletti, P Vallejo, C Cucic, N Klazinga, R Suñol
Primary Institution: Avedis Donabedian Institute, Autonomous University of Barcelona
Hypothesis
What are the quality requirements for patients receiving cross-border healthcare in Europe?
Conclusion
The study identifies key issues affecting the quality and safety of cross-border care that need further investigation.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients expressed positive opinions about the quality of care received abroad.
- Professionals claimed they treat local and cross-border patients alike.
- Communication and information were identified as main priorities for cross-border patients.
- Discharge and follow-up phases were noted as weak points in the cross-border care process.
- Administrative requirements can pose problems for cross-border patients.
- Safety issues were identified regarding informed consent and medication discrepancies.
Takeaway
This study looked at how patients, doctors, and healthcare financiers feel about getting medical care in other countries, and found that there are many important things to improve.
Methodology
Qualitative interviews were conducted with 40 patients, 30 professionals, and 3 healthcare financiers across seven countries.
Potential Biases
The convenience sampling method may not represent the general population of cross-border patients.
Limitations
The study used convenience sampling, which may introduce bias, and only included two Mediterranean countries.
Participant Demographics
Participants included patients from 14 countries, professionals from 14 hospitals in 6 European countries, and representatives from 3 healthcare financing bodies.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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