Influence of Non-financial Factors on Cost-efficiency of a General Hospital in Slovenia

Abstract

Introduction: Hospitals account for the largest share of health care expenditures, which are mainly financed by public funds. In healthcare, it is of paramount importance that the management focus not on reducing costs at the expense of patient health, but on improving the value and thus the healthcare outcomes. In addition to the economic factors used to determine a hospital's cost efficiency, non-economic or soft factors should be considered. The aim of this study was to elucidate the influence of non-financial factors on a hospital's cost-efficiency. Method: An online survey was conducted among the staff of a typical Slovenian general hospital (N = 150). Results: Self-assessment of cost-efficiency was influenced by communication in the hospital, satisfaction and cooperation within the multidisciplinary team, willingness of employees to innovate, cooperation with external providers and evaluation of the quality of healthcare. Communication with the patient had the greatest impact, followed by communication with external providers and communication with the management. Conclusion: In order to reduce costs while maintaining or even improving the healthcare outcomes, communication with patients is extremely important.