Introduction: This article examines different motivators for medical staff in countries with a high gap in healthcare efficiency by comparing them in two healthcare systems-Polish (ie efficient) and Ukrainian (ie inefficient).
Method: This survey-based study applies a six-stage conceptual framework to two Polish and two Ukrainian hospitals as well as medical faculties of one university from each country. Following ethical approval, data were collected in the first quarter of 2019, using the 'Evaluation of motivators questionnaire for medical staff'.
Findings: Medical staff perceived their working conditions in the inefficient healthcare system much worse than in the efficient system; however, they generally had a more optimistic outlook. Medical staff in efficient and inefficient healthcare systems has different motivational targets, including sizable differences from profession, gender, and age. These factors play an important role in developing a high-performance healthcare system. Results are illustrated in terms of motivators for medical staff.
Conclusion: Optimising a healthcare system requires useful reform of enablers, especially in countries with inefficient systems, including policymaking and regulatory action. Best practices must incorporate all stakeholders interested in high healthcare performance-usage of suitable practices from abroad can act as an important resource.
Keywords: health professionals; healthcare system; incentives; motivation; survey methods.
© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.