Can cost sharing measures improve the function of outpatient departments of public hospitals: the opinions of administrative directors.

This paper describes a study aiming to investigate the opinions of administrative personnel concerning the effectiveness of a cost sharing mechanism (of euro 5/visit) at public hospitals' outpatient departments. Data was derived through a structured questionnaire (developed by the researchers) which appealed to 112 administrative directors of public hospitals. Results highlighted a positive attitude concerning the function of the cost - sharing mechanism at public hospitals, a rather fair measure for the users (vulnerable groups are excluded) which probably is enhancing the monetary flow in public hospitals.

Informal payments for maternity health services in public hospitals in Greece.

Background: Private health expenditure for consuming maternity health services has been identified as an issue within public hospitals.

Aim: To estimate level of private health expenditure, in the form of informal payments, for maternal services in public hospitals in Greece.

Methods: The study population consisted of 160 women who had recently given birth in three provincial general hospitals and one general hospital in Athens.