Structural Equation Modelling for Patient-Centered Medication Selection: A Decision Support Framework

Abstract

The objective of this research was to investigate the key elements that shape patient-centric pharmaceutical care in India, particularly examining how the ease of obtaining medications, their cost, and the attitudes of healthcare providers towards prescribing impact the health outcomes of patients.

Employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), this study scrutinized the interplay among these elements. Data encompassing various factors such as the therapeutic impact, economic efficiency, safety profiles, and satisfaction levels of prescribers were analyzed to gauge their effects on both patient adherence and health outcomes.

Findings from the SEM analysis indicated that the ease of medication access and their cost-effectiveness are critical determinants of patient health outcomes. Moreover, the attitudes held by healthcare providers regarding medication efficacy emerged as a significant factor influencing patient adherence to prescribed treatment plans.

The results highlight the urgent need to enhance the accessibility and affordability of medications to foster patient-centered care. The study also sheds light on the crucial influence of healthcare provider attitudes in the process of healthcare delivery. While advocating for focused policy interventions, the research also recognizes the importance of addressing systemic obstacles and formulating comprehensive policy strategies.

The research concludes that strategic policy changes aimed at improving the accessibility and affordability of medications, along with targeted educational initiatives for healthcare providers, are vital for the advancement of patient-centric pharmaceutical care in India. The insights gleaned from this study contribute to the broader dialogue on healthcare enhancement and lay the groundwork for informed policy-making in the future