Preditores de tomada de decisão na saúde

: o caso dos setores público vs. privado

Abstract

In a context where patients play an active role in their healthcare journeys, seeking organizations that cater to their individual needs and values, understanding the factors influencing patient decisions is crucial for improving the quality of care and health outcomes. Faced with this challenge, this master's thesis aims to explore and analyze the determinants of patient choices in accessing healthcare, seeking to elucidate the dynamics between patients and healthcare organizations, as well as the relationship between consumer behavior and decision-making in healthcare. The objective is to identify the key factors influencing patient decisions when choosing healthcare organizations, thus contributing to knowledge in healthcare management and policy. The study also seeks to address specific questions, such as the influence of socioeconomic characteristics on the preference for public or private healthcare providers, the impact of healthcare service utilization frequency, and the importance of access speed in choosing the private sector. While comparing results with other healthcare systems is challenging due to the uniqueness of the portuguese system, the absence of studies in the area underscores the relevance of this research. In summary, this work aims to provide valuable insights for healthcare organizations to adapt their strategies and services to meet the needs and preferences of patients.

Date of Award	9 May 2024
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Sérgio Paulo de Jesus Moreira (Supervisor)