What Truly Matters for The Implementation of Medical Alliances? A Cross-Sectional Study in China From The Perspective of Physicians

Abstract

Background In China, medical alliances (MAs) are a way of integrating medical resources. This study tries to identify the factors that influence the implementation of MAs, explore physicians' views on the MAs, so as to provide experience for the integration of international medical resources. Methods Physicians in district D and district F of Beijing were recruited by a self-reported questionnaire. Descriptive statistical methods and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to describe and contrast the physicians’ evaluations. Factor analysis was used to reduce dimensions and calculate the overall evaluation of physicians. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the influencing factors of MAs. Results A total of 1032 physicians participated in this survey and the evaluation of MAs in D district is better. Most physicians express a dissatisfied attitude toward MAs. Regional characteristics, seniority and age of physicians, cognition degree of MA policy, professional competence, income and benefits and job satisfaction of physicians affect the implementation of MAs. Conclusions Physicians undertake more unpaid tasks in MAs, resulting in lower satisfaction. MAs in developed regions can stimulate the enthusiasm of physicians through extra rewards. Besides, the medical competence of physicians in small hospitals was improved with the help of physicians from large hospitals in the region, so physicians in these areas have better evaluations. The findings suggest that governments should focus on the personal development of physicians and improve their policy cognition to facilitate the implementation of MAs. In conclusion, the implementation of MAs varies in regions and developed regions have a more obvious effect on improving the implementation effect of MAs.