Healthcare professionals’ perspective on managing the healthcare system in Croatia: a cross-sectional study

Scientific paper - Original scientific paper

• Author: Stjepan Orešković
• Author: Vanesa Benković
• Author's institution: University of Zagreb; School of Medicine; (Department of Medical Sociology and Health Economics)
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTHCARE; Public Health and Health Care

Abstract (english)

Aim: To determine Croatian healthcare (HC) professionals' perspectives on HC management and leadership challenges.

Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted between May and June 2021, enrolled 1179 respondents from both the public and private sector, including medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, economists, and other HC professionals. Their perspective on various facets of HC management, namely governance, ownership, accountability, financing, and potential for improvement, were investigated using an anonymous online survey.

Results: Most respondents agreed that the system may be allocating resources ineffectively and that political mandates unduly influenced management decisions, impeding accountability. Competencies in organizational and financial experience, along with communication and leadership skills, were deemed fundamental for health care managers. Participants overwhelmingly supported data-driven decision-making, improved education, and the development of leadership skills as key avenues for system enhancement.

Conclusions: The study underscores the need for better financial management and overall governance, in the Croatian HC, offering insights that can inform evidence-based policy decisions and reforms toward a more efficient and accountable HC system.

• Keywords (english): Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Croatia; Cross-Sectional Studies; Delivery of Health Care / organization & administration; Delivery of Health Care / standards; Female; Health Personnel / psychology; Humans; Leadership; Male; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires
• Language: english
• Publication type: Scientific paper - Original scientific paper
• Publication status: Published
• Peer review: Peer review
• Publication version: Published version
• Journal title: Croatian Medical Journal
• Numbering: vol. 65, no. 4, pp. 339-348
• p-ISSN: 0353-9504
• e-ISSN: 1332-8166
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3325/cmj.2024.65.339
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:105:491176
• Publication: 2024-08-31
• Document URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11399729/
• Type of resource: Text
• Access conditions: Open access
• Created on: 2024-11-15 10:09:51