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The Asymmetric Effects of Waiting Time Targets in Health Care

Author

Listed:
  • Sofia Dimakou

    (Technological Educational Institute of Athens)

  • Ourania Dimakou

    (SOAS, University of London)

  • Henrique S. Basso

    (Banco de España)

Abstract

Waiting time targets have been a key policy intervention in many OECD countries, aimed at reducing persistent waiting times for healthcare. What is the impact of targets on the distribution of patients' waiting time? Do they affect healthcare outcomes? We address the first question by developing a theoretical model of healthcare provision and empirically assessing the entire distribution of patients' durations at the hospital level. Our model and empirical evidence identify two distinct admission patterns. Hospitals respond by either treating all patients faster or by `substituting' among short and long waiters, indicating an asymmetric effect across patients. In order to address the impact of targets on healthcare outcomes (mortality, prolonged healthcare, delayed discharge at the patient level) we explore the identified heterogeneity of responses across hospitals. We find supportive evidence of a systematic difference in outcomes of patients treated in hospitals that exhibit asymmetric responses to targets.

Suggested Citation

  • Sofia Dimakou & Ourania Dimakou & Henrique S. Basso, 2015. "The Asymmetric Effects of Waiting Time Targets in Health Care," BCAM Working Papers 1502, Birkbeck Centre for Applied Macroeconomics.
    • Handle: RePEc:bbk:bbkcam:1502
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    File URL: https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/26635/1/26635.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Sofia Dimakou & Ourania Dimakou & Henrique Basso, 2015. "Waiting time distribution in public health care: empirics and theory," Health Economics Review, Springer, vol. 5(1), pages 1-27, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Waiting time targets; Hospitals; Prioritisation; Public Health Provision; Government Policy.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • I11 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Analysis of Health Care Markets
    • H51 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Health

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