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Informační asymetrie a systém dvojího standardu ve vztahu zdravotník - pacient
[Information Assymetry and Double Standard in the Doctor-Patient Relationship]

Author

Listed:
  • Martin Janíčko
  • Ivo Koubek

Abstract

The aim of the article is to explore the doctor - patient relationship using the information asymmetry framework and principal-agent theory. From the perspective of economic exchange, this relationship is relatively specific, as an uneven rank and position of the agents involved play an important role here. It is argued that this unevenness arises from several different factors, such as education and qualification, work experience, path dependence, and the nature of goods and services provided. The relationship specificity is then discussed from a theoretical point of view while its most important elements are highlighted and put into a wider context. Further, market approach in healthcare system and healthcare services is partially debated and a simple model analyzing he "double-standard treatment is developed. Subsequently, this type of treatment is analyzed with the aid of vertical differentiation approach. Based on economic rationale, the authors claim that "medical knowledge/information obligation should play a crucial role in all healthcare services. This type of instrument is to be applicable for both parties in the doctor - patient relationship, as it may help overcome the inherently present information asymmetry by rendering the healthcare services provision more transparent.

Suggested Citation

  • Martin Janíčko & Ivo Koubek, 2012. "Informační asymetrie a systém dvojího standardu ve vztahu zdravotník - pacient [Information Assymetry and Double Standard in the Doctor-Patient Relationship]," Politická ekonomie, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2012(3), pages 362-379.
    • Handle: RePEc:prg:jnlpol:v:2012:y:2012:i:3:id:854:p:362-379
    DOI: 10.18267/j.polek.854
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Vrabková Iveta & Ertingerová Izabela & Vavrek Roman, 2019. "Information gaps in the market for social services: retirement homes in the Czech Republic," Review of Economic Perspectives, Sciendo, vol. 19(3), pages 175-191, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    information asymmetry; healthcare services; industry entry; vertical differentiation; double standard; medical knowledge/information obligation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D8 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • I11 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Analysis of Health Care Markets
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • L15 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Information and Product Quality

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