Effect of Collaborative Governance on Medical and Nursing Service Combination: An Evaluation Based on Delphi and Entropy Method

Abstract BackgroundImproved of synergies on medical and nursing services can help governments to optimize the allocation of medical resources, however, an appropriate evaluation method is critical for an appropriate decision process in this regard. MethodTo assess medical and nursing service combination (MNSC) at regional level, this study applied a 5-dimension evaluation index composed by 28 basic response areas related to the MNSC development status in China determining its respective weight through Delphi and entropy method.ResultThis empirical exercise analyzed the MNSC supply system by interviewing 9 head of medical and nursing institutions and 11 healthcare-related government personnel during august of 2020 in Xinxiang City, Henan province, P.R China. Results showed that (1) public satisfaction with the fees charged by Medical and Nursing service Institutions (MNSI); (2) Medicare and supply services policy publicity; (3) external financing situation of MNSI, (4) medical staff professional quality; (5) medical facilities and supply of MNSI; and (6) recognition level of the development plan of MNSI scored the highest effect on the synergy of MNSC supply among the assessed factors. ConclusionThese results showed that an evaluation based on Delphi and Entropy Method can effectively integrate the opinions of experts and related institutions to evaluate synergies on medical and nursing service supply.