What the study found
The study found differences between the two healthcare systems in service accessibility, communication, and autonomy in treatment decisions. Lebanese participants rated service accessibility higher, while Polish participants showed higher decision autonomy. Communication was rated similarly overall, but each country emphasized different aspects of it.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that both healthcare systems have distinct strengths and areas for improvement. They suggest that Lebanon’s private system may offer efficiency and patient interaction, while Poland’s public system may promote patient autonomy and care uniformity. The study suggests each system could improve service delivery by adopting best practices from the other.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a mixed-method cross-sectional study at two hospitals, one in Lebanon and one in Poland, from October 2023 to March 2024. They surveyed 88 respondents in total, including 44 patients and 44 doctors, using structured questionnaires about healthcare quality. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics in R, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti.
What worked and what didn't
Lebanon received higher ratings for service accessibility and fewer barriers to healthcare access. Poland showed significantly higher decision autonomy, which the abstract links to greater patient engagement in healthcare decisions. Communication scores were comparable overall, but Lebanon emphasized provider-patient interpersonal dynamics while Poland emphasized staff information transparency.
What to keep in mind
The study was limited to two hospitals and 88 respondents, so the findings apply to this specific comparison. The abstract does not describe additional limitations beyond the study setting and sample size. No further caveats are stated in the available summary.
Key points
- The study compared healthcare quality management in one hospital in Lebanon and one in Poland.
- Lebanon was rated higher for service accessibility and fewer barriers to care.
- Poland showed higher decision autonomy in treatment choices.
- Communication was similar overall, but the two settings emphasized different aspects of it.
- The authors say both systems have strengths and could learn from each other.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Poland and Lebanon differed in accessibility, autonomy, and communication
- Authors:
- S. Hakim
- Institutions:
- Poznań University of Economics and Business
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-05
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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