Hospital attributes considered by patients with spinal diseases in choosing speciality or general hospitals

척추질환환자의 전문병원과 일반병원의 병원선택요인

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 $\geq$ 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 $\geq$ 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.