Prescribing behavior on a clinical department leadership level in public hospitals

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to investigate the prescribing behavior and applied practices of doctors who are the heads of clinical departments in the National Health System in Greece. Moreover, this paper aims to evaluate a set of factors influencing them in this conduct through both their scientific and managerial status. Design/methodology/approach – The sample consisted of 123 clinical department-heads in 15 hospitals and a questionnaire specifically designed for the purposes of this research effort was used. Prescribing criteria were divided into three categories: scientific, functional and behavioral. Demographic data were also included. The data were processed using SPSS17 statistical package. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) of the mean of the parameters identified was applied. Findings – The survey assessed, revealed and evaluated the most important factors affecting the selection process of selecting pharmaceuticals on a department head level. Existing gaps in scientific information and rational management of procedure implementation were detected. Different perceptions of doctors-department heads towards prescribing criteria emanating from their previous experience on decision-making positions, age and hospital spatial characteristics (urban-provincial) were also highlighted. Originality/value – The results of this survey provide both researchers and health policy makers with a better insight of the factors influencing prescribing behavior, and decision-making processes of doctors-department heads in the context of a Public Health Care System.