Gender differences in response to medical red packets (Hongbao, monetary gifts): a questionnaire study on young doctors in China

Assessment of population satisfaction with medical care in conflict conditions

In the context of health care reform, the primary task is to ensure the delivery of high-quality medical services and good end results in the performance of individual physicians, structural units, and general medical services. The healthcare sector is one of the most socially significant spheres of functioning in every country. The problem of conflicts presents special social importance in this field, as a result of the rather close relationship between doctor and patient. The main objective of this study was to determine patients' satisfaction with the quality of healthcare at the primary level. The survey was conducted using an electronic questionnaire. The sample consisted of 1,146 residents of Chernivtsi and the Chernivtsi region, aged 18-56 and older. Almost half of the respondents (42.5%) offered a neutral overall rating of the quality of medical services at the primary care level. Only 25.5% gave a positive valuation of the quality of health care services they received, while 32% gave a negative evaluation. Patients' actions, opinions, and ideas shape and complement industry policies and the way they are implemented. In this context, if a dialogue is established among the main actors in the healthcare system, improvements in the system can be achieved, which will lead to better health and quality of life for people in the future.

The red packet phenomenon from the perspective of young Chinese doctors: a questionnaire study

Background

In China, informal payments in the medical profession, which workers in the public health care system receive from patients in the course of performing profession-related activities, are usually referred to as “red packets” (Hongbao 红包). The phenomenon of red packets is widespread and has become one of the most negative factors affecting the doctor-patient relationship in China. Our study aims to explore the situation concerning the phenomenon of red packets in China after the “Red Packet Ban”.

Methods

A questionnaire was developed including general demographic characteristics, asking whether they had ever been offered red packets, whether they had ever accepted red packets, their reasons for accepting the first red packet and so on. We recruited a total of 413 doctors to complete this questionnaire and conducted in-depth telephone interviews with 18 doctors from the initial group.

Results

Our data shows that 73 doctors claimed to have accepted red packets, accounting for 17.7% (73/413) of all respondents and 27.8% (73/263) of doctors who had been provided with red packets. 23.2% of red packets were offered after the operation and 67.1% of the doctors declared that the main reason for accepting the red packet was that they “refused the red packets more than once, but the patients/family members were sincere and it was difficult to refuse.” The total amount of the red packets they received each month accounted for no more than 5% of their income.

Conclusions

(1) The acceptance of red packets does exist among young doctors in China, but shows a significant decrease compared to previous studies. (2) There has been a sharp rise in the proportion of gratitude red packets. (3) Patients should also be educated regarding their behaviour in providing red packets.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12910-022-00793-w.