[Effects of Changes in Healthcare on Doctors and Patients using the Example of Ukraine].

Abstract

Background: The health care sector is experiencing a drastic transition all over the world. This has an impact not only on the way hospitals, clinics, special-care homes etc. are organized, but also on patients, personnel and other stakeholders involved. The consequences of changes for both physicians and patients are investigated using a comprehensive health care reform in Ukraine as an example.

Methods: The analysis is based on empirical data collected from general physicians in 2 Ukrainian cities. Based on the Job Demands-Resources Model, we developed a set of hypotheses and tested them using the structural equation modelling technique. A total of 178 general physicians (81% of the approached population) participated in the study.

Results: Our investigation reveals a clear relationship between the organizational job demands (additional tasks, structural changes, new processes) and their psychological effects (e. g., burnout). The latter have a negative impact on cooperation of physicians in hospitals leading to lower patient satisfaction.

Discussion and conclusions: Change in health care is inevitable. The example of Ukraine shows that openness of hospitals towards change reduces the probability of physicians' burnout and, eventually, increases patient satisfaction. We strongly suggest applying the process management approach in order to increase openness to change, especially in turbulent times.