An Assessment of Physician' Attitudes and Behaviors on Cost-Effectiveness During Medical Treatments

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to reveal attitudes and behaviors of physicians with regard to cost effectiveness with an aim to provide efficient use of economic resources consumed for delivery of health care services. Methodology: The study was conducted at Gülhane Military Medical Academy through February-March 2010. For the purposes of the study, the scale titled “Cost Effectiveness as a Criterion for Medical and Coverage Decisions” issued by “Visible Fairness Partner Organizations” in 2001 was taken as basis and the questionnaire form developed considering the specific characteristics of Turkish Armed Forces was implemented. It was aimed in the study to reach 206 physicians commissioned at internal and surgical departments assumed to be in direct contact with the patients by using the simple layered random sampling method. Among the participants in the study, however, data from 191 physicians who filled out the questionnaire completely was taken into evaluation. Findings: The study concluded a significant difference (Z=2,369, p=0,018) between “Patient Related Factors” and “Administration Background of Physician” and a significant difference (Z=2,096, p=0,036) between “Physician Related Factors” and “Term of Office of Physician” and a significant difference (X2=6,825, p=0,033) between “Physician Related Factors” and “Status”. Conclusion: Findings from the study revealed a high level of perception in physician related factors. Basing on this conclusion, it is considered to be helpful to include certain topics such as health care services administration and organization, health economy and health care service financing especially in pre-graduation curriculum for the physicians for more efficient and effective use of limited resources.