Abstract
Objectives: The primary objective of the study is to analyze the utilization patterns of provincial patients discharged from hospitals located in Seoul area. Methods: For the analysis, the study employed the nationwide data on 'Survey of Injured Patients Discharged from Hospitals' conducted by KCDC (Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The statistical methodology used in the measurement model is a logistic regression model. Results: The study has three major findings. First, compared to other disease groups, the discharged on both 'neoplasm(cancer)' and 'congenital malformation, deformity and chromosomal abnormalities' disease groups are more likely to utilize hospitals in Seoul area. Second, as for 'neoplasm(cancer)' disease group, patients with 'bones and articular cartilage' areas are more likely to utilize hospitals in Seoul area. Finally, Hospitals with more than 1,000 beds was primary factor in selecting Seoul-based hospitals by the discharged in provincial areas. Conclusion: In sum, the study showed that patients in provincial areas are more likely to utilize hospitals located in Seoul area regardless of the severity of their cases. Local authority, therefore, is required to monitor local hospitals on regular basis, as well as support them to establish specialized medical centers by providing human and physical resources.