1.Investigation on the impact of centralized volume-based procurement of dental implant consumables on corruption risk prevention and control in public hospitals
Linling LIAN ; Lingfei REN ; Fei TENG ; Guoli YANG
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2024;40(5):334-338
Objective:To analyze the impact of the implementation of the policy of centralized volume-based procurement of dental implant consumables on the prevention and control of corruption risk in public hospitals, and provide reference for improving the construction of corruption risk prevention and control in public hospitals.Methods:Develop a survey questionnaire for three entities: the Discipline Inspection Commission of public hospitals, dental implant doctors in public hospitals, and dental implant consumables distribution enterprises. The questionnaire content for the Discipline Inspection Commission of public hospitals mainly included the impact of the implementation of the policy of centralized volume-based procurement of dental implant consumables on the prevention and control of hospital integrity risks, as well as the development of supporting policies in hospitals; The questionnaire content for dental implant doctors mainly included their understanding of the centralized volume-based procurement policy, their communication with distribution companies, and their awareness of integrity; The questionnaire content for dental implant consumables distribution enterprises mainly included the situation of the distribution enterprises entering the centralized volume-based procurement catalog for implants, and the subsequent adjustment of business strategies.Using convenience sampling method, a questionnaire survey was conducted from February to June 2023 on the Discipline Inspection Commission of public hospitals in Zhejiang Province, dental implant doctors in public hospitals nationwide, and distribution enterprises of dental implant consumables in Zhejiang Province. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the questionnaire data.Results:Effectively collected 16 questionnaires filled out by the Discipline Inspection Commission leaders of public hospitals in Zhejiang Province. Among them, the Discipline Inspection Commission leaders of 11 public hospitals believed that the implementation of the policy of centralized volume-based procurement of dental implant consumables could reduce the existing corruption risks of public hospitals, 1 believed that it would create new corruption risks, and 4 believed that both aspects of the impact existed; 12 leaders believed that the policy′s strengthening of corruption risk prevention and control was mainly reflected in squeezing implant prices, reducing selection and procurement risks, and reducing red envelopes and kickbacks. 270 questionnaires from dental implant doctors in public hospitals were effectively collected. Regarding the implementation of the centralized volume-based procurement policy, 187 people believed that it would inhibit the development of the dental implant industry, 148 people expected their personal salaries to decrease, 78 people would participate more in lectures and training organized by enterprises, and 39 people would recommend implant systems outside the centralized volume-based procurement catalog to patients; 140 people were unable to accurately grasp all the contents of the " Nine Guidelines on Integrity for Staff of Medical Institution" ; Only 202 people believed that compliance contact with distribution companies could only be based on listening to their introduction to the implant system. 23 questionnaires were effectively collected from dental implant consumables distribution companies. Among them, 22 companies would reduce their expenses in maintaining relationships with clinical doctors after the implementation of the centralized procurement policy, and 14 companies would reduce their sales position expenses. All distribution companies believed that the phenomenon of medical institution staff receiving red envelopes and kickbacks would decrease or disappear after the implementation of the centralized volume-based procurement policy.Conclusions:The implementation of the policy of centralized volume-based procurement of dental implant consumables is beneficial for reducing the existing corruption risks in public hospitals, but if regulatory oversight is inadequate, new corruption risks will arise in the early stages of policy implementation. Public hospitals should improve the supporting system for centralized volume-based procurement of dental implant consumables, standardize the procurement process of dental implant consumables outside the centralized volume-based procurement catalog, strengthen supervision and inspection of centralized procurement, and further strengthen corruption risk prevention and control by implementing anti-corruption education.