Institutional management under the pressure of competitive market within the Colombian health system, 2007-2008

Abstract

Objective: To comprehend the dynamics of the health decision making and its relationship with the accessibility and quality of health services, within the Colombian Health System, during 2007-2008.

Methods: A qualitative approach was adopted; 179 indepth interviews were conducted with doctors, nurses, and managers working for health institutions at six Colombian cities. Also, focus groups were conducted with health users. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, systematized, and analyzed, using a coding and categorization process, through which conceptual maps were created.

Results: Thirteen analytical categories, related to health decision making, accessibility and quality of services, emerged. This paper presents only the management models in health institutions, within a competitive market environment. Most institutions focus their management on getting financial profitability; consequently, they establish mechanisms to reduce costs, which affect the accessibility and quality of health services, and labor conditions of health workers. A lesser number of institutions focus their management on fostering health and improving life quality of their users by ensuring accessibility and quality of services, and good working conditions for their staff.