The impact of regulated cost accounting on financial management: Evidence from Belgian hospitals.

Abstract

This thesis explores the role of regulated cost accounting in the financial management of Belgian hospitals. It delves into the complexities of the Belgian hospital financing system, analyzing how these regulations influence financial decision-making and operational efficiency. The research is based on a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative financial analysis of hospital accounts with qualitative insights from interviews with financial officers across various hospitals.

The study investigates key elements of cost accounting, including the allocation of costs across different hospital units and activities, and examines how these practices are influenced by regulatory frameworks such as the Royal Decree on hospital accounting. Special attention is given to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has introduced additional financial pressures and highlighted the challenges within the existing cost accounting systems. The findings provide a detailed view of how regulated cost accounting affects the financial health of hospitals, shedding light on the strengths and weaknesses of the current system.