%0 Journal Article
%T Patients¡¯ Preferences of Healthcare Facilities for Quality Healthcare Services in Akwa Ibom State: A Game Theory Approach
%A Vincenth Udok Udeme
%A Ukamaka Cynthia Orumie
%J American Journal of Operations Research
%P 181-198
%@ 2160-8849
%D 2021
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/ajor.2021.113011
%X The purpose of this work is to apply Game theory approach to determine patients¡¯
preferences of healthcare facilities for quality healthcare in Akwa Ibom State. Cross-sectional descriptive study and
purposive sampling technique were adopted in order to collect the relevant
data. Factors influencing patients¡¯ preferences of health care facilities
between public and private hospitals in Akwa Ibom State were assessed using a
set of questionnaires which were distributed to 9976 patients in University of Uyo
Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. A two-person zero sum game
theory approach was applied. Perception of quality healthcare services received
by respondent¡¯s preferred facilities between public and private hospitals was examined. Also the reasons for patients¡¯
persistence of their preferred facilities were evaluated using questionnaire.
The optimal strategy and the value of the game were determined using the
factors influencing patients¡¯ preferences of healthcare facilities, and analysed
with two-person-zero-sum game. Facility that gives their clients the best satisfaction was identified. The data collected through questionnaire
were analysed using the rules of dominance in a two-person-