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

Article information

Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2012;23(4):438-445

Publication date (electronic) : 2012 December 31

doi : https://doi.org/10.12799/jkachn.2012.23.4.438

¹Department of Nursing, Suwon Science College, Hwaseong, Korea.

²Department of Nursing, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea.

Corresponding author: Choi, Jeongmyung. Department of Nursing, Suwon Science College, San 9-10, Botong-ri, Jeongnam-myun, Hwaseong 445-742, Korea. Tel: +82-31-350-2428, Fax: +82-31-350-2429, jmchoe@empas.com

Received 2012 November 12; Accepted 2012 December 22.

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.

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

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