Transparency of Mandatory Information Disclosure and Concerns of Health Services Providers and Consumers.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study analyzed differences between transparency of information disclosure and related demands from the health service consumer's perspective. It also compared how health service providers and consumers are associated by different levels of mandatory information disclosure. METHODS: We obtained our research data using a questionnaire survey (health services providers, n = 201; health service consumers, n = 384). RESULTS: Health service consumers do not have major concerns regarding mandatory information disclosure. However, they are concerned about complaint channels and settlement results, results of patient satisfaction surveys, and disclosure of hospital financial statements (p < 0.001). We identified significant differences in health service providers' and consumers' awareness regarding the transparency of information disclosure (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It may not be possible for outsiders to properly interpret the information provided by hospitals. Thus, when a hospital discloses information, it is necessary for the government to consider the information's applicability. Toward improving medical expertise and information asymmetry, the government has to reduce the burden among health service consumers in dealing with this information, and it has to use the information effectively.