Factors of choice of private medical services in Poland

Abstract

Purpose: The main purpose of this article was to explore main factors of choice of private medical services by Polish patients. Design/methodology/approach: In the theoretical part of the article, the current situation in health care sector in Poland was discussed. Also, based on the literature authors introduced their own classification of factors of choice of private medical services. The empirical research was conducted in August 2021. Finally, 122 participants were included in a research sample. Findings: The biggest number of respondents indicated the availability of appointments as the most fundamental aspect. Also, the study revealed other factors, especially choosing a particular physician, previous positive experiences, the transparency of treatment and the quality of care as important for patient’s choice. Research limitations/implications: Research was limited to the private sector which results from the fact that its share on the market grows and is increasingly popular among foreigners. It is worth considering to further deepen the research including studying factors in public health care sector to compare them or to expand the research group to a larger population. Due to technical development forced by recent epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2019 pandemic, also it is worth to include telemedicine into future studies. Practical implications: Private sector operates on the laws of economy which allow the implication of research findings to gain competitive advantage in areas which are most important for patients treated as customers. Outcomes of this article have practical implications for private medical entities. They could enhance operation areas which were chosen by patients. Social implications: Polish health care sector is one of the national economy segments. Providing access to medical services for citizens is one of important government’s activities. In case of insufficient access, private sector may be able to support public health care system. Originality/value: It is crucial to conduct such a research among Polish patients because these factors may differ due to a particular country and its specific determinants like political solutions, culture, functioning of health care system, types of medical insurance and other specific conditions. Moreover, in the theoretical part of the article, authors built their own classification of factors of choice of private medical services.