Healthcare reforms granting patients’ choice over aspects of non-emergency hospital care have been introduced or extended in several countries over the last two decades. Patient choice is particularly important in healthcare systems based on a fixed-price regime of treatment reimbursement, since it paves the way for competition on quality between healthcare providers operating in the same market. Hence, choice and market structure can work as economic incentives to improve healthcare quality and potentially reduce inefficiencies in healthcare delivery. The evaluation of the effects of choice and market structure is paramount to help policy makers deliver a better performing healthcare system. Our research in this area covers:
Contact: Hugh Gravelle