Measures for Improving Effeciency of Financial Management in Health Service Units with Financial Risk Level 7, Health Region 1, Thailand

Abstract

The action research aimed to study the situation of financial and provide suggestion for increasing efficiency of financial management in health service units with financial risk level 7 in the Health Region 1. Study samples were 60 financial administrators purposively selected from health services units with financial risk level 7. Data on financial situation of each unit were collected through interviews and focus group discussions; and were analyzed by descriptive and content analysis. It was found that there were 6 health service units with financial risk level 7, with the capacity of 10, 30, 60, 88 and 120 beds. The numbers of outpatients ranged from 25,031 to 284,103, and those for inpatients were from 1,783 to 15,631. Bed occupancy rate was 62.09 to 80.4 percent. Health Region 1 had problems of planning, resources, management and clients/network. The approaches for improving efficiency of financial management were consisted of (1) financial analysis and planning, (2) managing intervention based on the nature of the problems encountered, (3) monitoring financial management plan by chief financial officer or a financial amangement team, and (4) synthezing the lessons learned through the review and analysis of existing problems, and develop correcting measures. Financial administrators in health service units should apply these procedures to improve the management of financial system in order to reach the goal of the organizations.