Table 1 Social factors influencing the choice of private over public health services
Themes | Definition |
|---|---|
1. Word-of-mouth | Consumers share information about medical conditions and treatment experiences with peers and recommend health providers |
2. Relationship | How relationships among patients and physicians change the decision whether to use private over public services |
3. Staff behaviour and attitude | How medical, nursing, and supporting staff attitudes and behaviour affect the use of private over public services |
4. Impacts of service reputation and brand | The influence of organisational reputation on the choice of services |
5. Marketing | How providers promote their services to recruit patients |