J Korean Acad Community Health Nurs.  2012 Dec;23(4):438-445. 10.12799/jkachn.2012.23.4.438.

The Effects of the Designated Doctor System on the Health of Medical Aid Beneficiaries

• Choi J
• Oh J

• KMID: 2292787
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12799/jkachn.2012.23.4.438

Abstract

PURPOSE
Medical Aid Beneficiaries were surveyed to identify differences in health behaviors, adherence to drug regimen, and quality of life between those people in the Designated Doctor System and those who are not.
METHODS
A total of 1,327 study subjects were separated into three groups: those in the Designated Doctor System for 2 years, those in for 1 year, and those not in the system.
RESULTS
After the introduction of the Designated Doctor System, 55.8% and 67.9%, respectively, of the subjects in the Designated Doctor System complained of inconvenience in relation to hospital use and the patient referral process. Also, the rate of emergency room use or hospitalization guided by the Designated Doctor System was only 8.7% and 6.5%, respectively. There were no significant differences in health behaviors and adherence to drug regimens between those in the Designated Doctor System and those who are not.
CONCLUSION
This study was carried out early in the introduction of the system. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the positive and negative effects of the Designated Doctor System for a full reflection of its impact.

Keyword

Medicaid; Hospital Attending Physician; Health behavior; Quality of life

MeSH Terms

Emergencies
Health Behavior
Hospitalization
Humans
Medicaid
Medical Staff, Hospital
Organothiophosphorus Compounds
Quality of Life
Referral and Consultation
Organothiophosphorus Compounds

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