척추질환환자의 전문병원과 일반병원의 병원선택요인

Abstract

The present study was conducted to assess relative importance of hospital attributes considered by patients with spinal diseases in choosing specialty or general hospitals. A total of 230 patients hospitalized with spinal diseases in sampled study sites, including 2 specialty and 2 general hospitals, participated in a self-administered questionnaire survey from April 26 through May 8 2007. Patients were asked to rate the degree of agreement on each of the 15 attributes on a 5-point Likert-type scale (1 : strongly disagree, 5 : strongly agree) for which they chose the hospital because of that specific attribute. Based on a Factor analysis, the attributes were grouped into 4 : facility and environment, accessibility, interpersonal factor, and credibility. Both patient groups from specialty (mean scale score ; 3.75) and general hospitals (3.62) commonly considered 'credibility' to be the most important attribute, followed by 'facility and environment (3.05 and 3.21).' Logistic regression analysis showed that men(Odds ratio(OR)=0.333) and those with monthly income of ≥ 4 million won (OR=0.298) were less likely to choose specialty hospitals. Age groups of 30 to 39 years old (OR=5.140) and ≥ 60 years old(OR=4.761), and professionals (OR=5.207) tended to choose specialty hospitals. Patients expressing more importance on 'facility and environment' attribute were less likely to use specialty hospitals (OR=0.571), whereas those emphasizing 'accessibility' were more likely to use specialty hospitals(OR=1.487). The findings of significant difference in patient's demographic characteristics and consideration in hospital attributes would contribute to have a better understanding on patient's choice behaviour and to develop strategy to improve patient's satisfaction.