Policy analysis for countywide medical communities in the policy model of G. C. Edwards

Abstract

The policy model of G. C. Edwards was used to study the policies on building a countywide medical community (CMC), and identify problems in such aspects as policy communication, resources, disposition and bureaucratic structure. The analysis found that enriching health resources at primary level and powerful government support are creating ideal environment for the construction of CMC. But due to its preliminary development, rooms of improvement of its policy design, and unclear enforcement standards, there appear behavioral polarizations at local health authorities. For example, some are proactive to explore and accumulate rich experiences, while the most take a wait and see stand, or even take administrative means to cope with their authorities by forming medical communities in form only. A small part of county hospitals, thanks to support from the government and inherent conditions, take active measures in this direction as policy frontrunners. On the other hand, most county hospitals prefer to be policy followers in order to avoid cost and risks of the reform. In the worst cases, a few county hospitals have become free riders of the policy, and attempt to take advantages of their primary health institutions. Primary health institutions warmly embrace CMC, but their limited service capability constitutes roadblocks in CMC construction. What is more, poor communication and collaboration mechanisms among systems and authorities hinder the effective policy synergy and health service integration of CMS. Key words: Health resources; Policy model of G. C. Edwards; Policy analysis