Regulatory barriers to equity in a health system in transition: a qualitative study in Bulgaria
2011

Regulatory Barriers to Child Health Services in Bulgaria

Sample size: 50 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Rechel Boika, Clare M Blackburn, Nick J Spencer, Bernd Rechel

Primary Institution: Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia

Hypothesis

What are the regulatory barriers affecting equity in child health services in Bulgaria?

Conclusion

Regulatory barriers to equity and compliance in daily practice deserve more attention from policy-makers when embarking on health reforms.

Supporting Evidence

  • Participants reported regulatory barriers undermining equity in health services.
  • Informal payments and user fees were common issues identified by respondents.
  • The need for better information about patient rights was a recurrent theme.

Takeaway

This study talks to people in Bulgaria about the problems they face when trying to get health care for their kids. Many feel confused and unfairly treated by the system.

Methodology

50 qualitative in-depth interviews with users, providers, and policy-makers concerned with child health services.

Potential Biases

Participants' perceptions may be influenced by their personal experiences and socio-economic backgrounds.

Limitations

The study does not claim to be representative of all users, providers, and policy-makers.

Participant Demographics

Participants included health care providers, parents, policy-makers, and stakeholders from both rural and urban areas, including the Roma minority.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6963-11-219

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