Physician behaviour and inequalities in access to healthcare

Mylene Lagarde, Anthony Scott

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (Book)Researchpeer-review

Abstract

This chapter reviews the evidence on the role of physicians in shaping inequalities in access to and utilisation of healthcare. The authors examine three types of physician decisions that can influence inequalities in access and utilisation: location decisions, decisions to work in the public and/or private sector, and decisions or behaviours in the doctor–patient encounter. For each, the authors summarise the issues and empirical evidence on possible policies to help reduce inequalities in access. Future research to reduce inequalities should focus on changes to health systems that influence physician decisions, such as health insurance expansions, the public–private mix and financial incentives, as well as physician training and policies for a more diverse physician workforce.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRecent Developments in Health Econometrics
Subtitle of host publicationA Volume in Honour of Andrew Jones
EditorsBadi H. Baltagi, Francesco Moscone
Place of PublicationLeeds UK
PublisherEmerald Group Publishing Limited
Pages37-53
Number of pages17
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9781837532582, 9781837532605
ISBN (Print)9781837532599
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 27 Aug 2024

Publication series

NameContributions to Economic Analysis
Volume297
ISSN (Print)0573-8555

Keywords

  • access
  • distribution
  • incentives
  • inequalities
  • Physician behaviour

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