Patient Preference and Adherence (Oct 2023)
Influencing Factor Analysis of First-Choice Medical Institutions for Aging People in China
Abstract
Xianyu Xie,1,* Zijun Zhao,2,* Qinde Wu3,* 1Department of Medical Administration, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Public Administration & Law, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Education Administration, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Qinde Wu, Department of Education Administration, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No. 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350001, People’s Republic of China, Tel +0086-13365917369, Fax +0086-0591-83325046, Email [email protected]: This study aimed to analyze first-choice medical institutions for middle-aged and older adults in Fujian Province to promote the development of hierarchical diagnosis and treatment for them.Patients and Methods: Single factor analysis, disordered multi-classification logistic regression, and multiple correspondence classification were used to analyze the influencing factors of first-choice medical institutions for middle-aged and older adults. A total of 486 valid questionnaires were obtained. The questionnaire was based on Health Service Integration Theory and the behavioral model of Andersen.Results: Age, education level, living area, monthly income, nearest medical institution to home, and integrated health service system understanding significantly influenced respondents’ preference of first medical institution. Middle-aged and older adults were more inclined to visit county and municipal hospitals first. The treatment center’s proximity was also an important determinant of their first-choice selection of medical care.Conclusion: To realize high-quality hierarchical diagnosis and treatment and integrated health service system construction, it is important to improve the service capacity of primary medical institutions, increase the training of family doctors, implement the contract coverage of family doctors, optimize the allocation and geographical layout of primary medical institutions, ensure adequate income levels, and promote township hospital staff.Keywords: hierarchical diagnosis, middle-aged adult, older adult, first medical institution, influencing factors
