What the study found
The study found clear differences between the two healthcare settings. Lebanese participants rated service accessibility higher, while Poland showed higher decision-making autonomy; communication was rated similarly in both countries, with different emphasis in each setting.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that both healthcare systems have distinct strengths and improvement opportunities. The study suggests that Lebanon’s private system may support efficiency and patient interaction, while Poland’s public system may promote patient autonomy and care uniformity.
What the researchers tested
The researchers carried out a mixed-method cross-sectional study at two hospitals, one in Lebanon and one in Poland, from October 2023 to March 2024. They used structured surveys with 88 respondents total: 44 patients and 44 doctors. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics in R, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti.
What worked and what didn't
Service accessibility was rated higher in Lebanon, with fewer barriers to healthcare access reported there. Communication scores were comparable, but Lebanon emphasized provider-patient interpersonal dynamics while Poland emphasized staff information transparency. Poland showed significantly higher decision autonomy, reflecting greater patient engagement in healthcare decisions.
What to keep in mind
The abstract describes only two hospitals and a total of 88 respondents, so the findings are limited to this study setting. The available summary does not provide additional limitations beyond the study’s comparative scope.
Key points
- Lebanese participants rated service accessibility higher than participants in Poland.
- Communication was rated similarly in both settings, but the emphasis differed.
- Poland showed significantly higher decision-making autonomy.
- The study compared one hospital in Lebanon and one in Poland.
- The authors say each system has strengths and areas for improvement.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Poland and Lebanon differed in access, communication, and autonomy
- Authors:
- S. Hakim
- Institutions:
- Poznań University of Economics and Business
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-05
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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