Fluctuating operation development index of community health service centres in the Pudong new area of Shanghai: A continuous investigation

Abstract

Background: Previous performance evaluations among community health service centres (CHSCs) have been mainly based on absolute indicators, while the operation index, a more comprehensive evaluation method, has been rarely used in evaluation. This study aimed to develop a set of operation index suitable for the evaluation of CHSCs in Pudong. Methods: The operation index system, developed based on a literature review, focus group, and factor analysis, was applied to all 45 CHSCs in Pudong. The data were mainly derived from the Pudong Health Statistics Information System from 2010 to 2014. The analysis included a descriptive analysis, t tests, variance analysis, and repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: Different aspects of the operation index showed different developing trends during 2010 to 2014. The overall operation, service operation, management condition, and comprehensive satisfaction index were significantly different in different years (P < 0.05). However, the differences in the development foundation index were not obvious (P > 0.05). Moreover, the regional factor and medical association influenced the performance of service operation index, and the informatization level affected the performance of overall operation and management condition index (P < 0.05), with different family GP programmes level affecting management condition index (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Changes in the management condition index led to fluctuations in overall operation in the CHSCs. Since regional factors, family GP programmes, and medical associations promoted the operation of CHSCs, we advocate a multi-dimensional evaluation combining horizontal performance appraisal and vertical index evaluation to focus on these factors.