Applying an Extended Kernel Density 4-Step Floating Catchment Area Method to Identify Priority Districts to Promote New Publicly Financed Supply of Gastroenterology Exams

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Polzin, P (Author) Other; José Luís Moura Borges (Author) FEUP; coelho, a (Author) FEUP

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: Journal of Management and Sustainability

Vol. 7

Final page: 1

ISSN: 1925-4725

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00M-D16

DOI: 10.5539/jms.v7n1p1

Abstract (EN): <jats:p>In continental Portugal, the publicly financed supply of gastroenterology exams was limited since the end of the last century, restricted to a fixed set of private providers that was hired by the Portuguese state. This way of contracting created market entry barriers and is inefficient, since prices are administratively set. Besides, it produced access inequalities, because of the way that the supply was geographically distributed. This paper applies the Extended Kernel Density 4-Step Floating Catchment Area (EKD4SFCA) method to identify priority districts for the promotion of new supply by the state, in order to choose the appropriate way of contracting new private supply, as determined by current law, and to reduce access inequalities. The applied method enables the identification of the Portuguese regions with strong competition between health care providers and where patients¿ access to publicly financed gastroenterology exams is relatively low. In these regions, the state should promote public bids to stimulate new supply, exploring thereby the potential for setting lower prices and reducing access inequalities.</jats:p>

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific