Factors Influencing the Preference of Private Hospitals to Public Hospitals in Oman

Abstract

Purpose: The objectives of the study are to analyze the factors which influence patients to go to private hospitals against public hospitals of Oman and to analyze the expectations of patients from the integrated public hospitals in Oman.

Design/methodology/approach: The study was carried out with a well-defined questionnaire through which 251 survey samples were collected on a random sampling basis.

Findings: The results of the study reveal that there is an association between the selection of hospital and services and the cost of the services offered in the hospital and it is found that the cost of services incurred makes an impact in the selection of hospital for medical treatment. The study also revealed that in private hospitals patients could easily approach anyone including the reception staff and all are helpful, and the private hospitals are equipped with modern equipment, and doctors treat patients in a friendly manner.

Research limitations/Implications: The majority of the population taken for the study are aged above 20 years, and the samples were collected from selected regions of Oman, and wide range collection of samples from all the regions will help to improve the solution.

Social implications: The study suggests that sufficient medicines should be provided in all the public health centers and periodic inspection should be conducted at regular intervals to improve the standards of the public health Centers and Government Hospitals concerning cleanliness, treatments and the front line services.

Originality/Value: No study has examined the causes for the hospital selection delay in the construction projects of Oman, and it is a first-hand study of its kind and the results will be useful to the stakeholders.

Keywords: Private Hospitals of Oman, Public Hospitals of Oman, Patients’ Preference, Services, Cost of Treatment

JEL Classification: I11