Agency in health care: getting beyond first principles

G Mooney; M Ryan

doi:10.1016/0167-6296(93)90023-8

Agency in health care: getting beyond first principles

J Health Econ. 1993 Jul;12(2):125-35. doi: 10.1016/0167-6296(93)90023-8.

Authors

G Mooney¹, M Ryan

Affiliation

¹ Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Scotland.

PMID: 10127772
DOI: 10.1016/0167-6296(93)90023-8

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the application of the theory of agency to health care. It is argued that the basic theory of agency raises more questions than it provides answers when it is applied to the doctor-patient relationship. More research is needed into the nature of both the patient's and the doctor's utility functions. Only then can we begin to devise optimal incentive structures to encourage doctors to take adequate account of patient preferences.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Contract Services / economics*
Decision Making
Fees, Medical / standards
Models, Econometric*
Patient Advocacy / economics
Patient Participation / economics
Physician-Patient Relations*
Physicians / economics
Physicians / standards
Scotland