Inflacja a sytuacja finansowa polskich szpitali w opinii dyrektorów jednostek

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore hospital managers’ opinions on the impact of inflation on the financial situation of hospitals. Specifically, the Focus is on identifying different types of operating costs among hospitals that are at the highest risk of increased costs due to inflation. The author has used qualitative research methods, specifically, structured interviews (conducted with 7 hospital managers; 7 questions were included in the interview scenario) and performed an analysis of quantitative data (using a self-developed table) relating to the most important types of hospital operating costs. The research demonstrates that majority of hospitals are already affected by inflation. The highest cost growths relate to energy, external services (heating, nutrition, laundry), medicines and medical materials. The complicated financial situation of the Polish hospitals is the result of many years of systemic negligence. The act on minimum wages increases the operating costs of units and adds uncertainty to budget planning.