Current perspectives on China's national essential medicine system: primary care provider and patient views.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The National Essential Medicine System (NEMS) is a new policy launched by the Chinese government in 2009. The effects of its introduction have been widely investigated. However, little research has focused on individual patients' perspectives. The purpose of this study was to examine current understanding and opinions of China's NEMS of primary care providers (PCPs) and patients.

Methods

Providers (n = 134) and patients (n = 175) were examined based on self-completed questionnaire surveys conducted in 16 primary healthcare centers in Ningxia, northwestern China. Questions addressed the topics of: participants' socio-demographic characteristics; awareness of NEMS policies; perceptions of NEMS-related changes; satisfactions with NEMS.

Results

The patients had

SUBMITTER: Song Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4729152 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature