The heterogeneity of public preferences for the first healthcare visit: A discrete choice experiment in the context of Vietnam
3
Issued Date
2023-03-01
Resource Type
ISSN
07496753
eISSN
10991751
DOI
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85143409375
Pubmed ID
36447363
Journal Title
International Journal of Health Planning and Management
Volume
38
Issue
2
Start Page
473
End Page
493
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
International Journal of Health Planning and Management Vol.38 No.2 (2023) , 473-493
Suggested Citation
Nguyen H.T.T., Vo T.Q., Tran H.T.B., Nguyen B.T., Nguyen H.T., Nguyen T.D., Anuratpanich L. The heterogeneity of public preferences for the first healthcare visit: A discrete choice experiment in the context of Vietnam. International Journal of Health Planning and Management Vol.38 No.2 (2023) , 473-493. 493. doi:10.1002/hpm.3597 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/82387
Title
The heterogeneity of public preferences for the first healthcare visit: A discrete choice experiment in the context of Vietnam
Author's Affiliation
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Primary healthcare is critical in addressing the main health problems of communities. In Vietnam, the increasing healthcare demands cause major challenges, especially overcrowding. This study identified public preferences regarding the selection of healthcare facilities for first visit. A discrete choice online survey was generated from five attributes including visit duration, travel time, personal connection with medical staff, doctors' experience, and health insurance. A Dz-efficient design constructed 36 choice sets, divided into three blocks of 12 choice sets. Each block formed one version of the questionnaire, which was randomly distributed to the participants. Heterogeneity in participant preferences was analysed by a latent class model with socio demographic characteristics and experiences of the last visit. 822 participants valued doctors' experience for both minor and severe symptoms. Preference heterogeneity for minor symptoms was quick service provision, highly experienced doctors, and payment through health insurance for the first (44.18%), second (32.17%), and third classes (23.66%), respectively. Regarding severe symptoms, they favoured all five attributes, quick health service, and reduced travel time for the first, second, and third classes, respectively (heterogeneities of 58.16%, 27.79%, and 14.05%, respectively). Predictions of choice from the worst to optimal healthcare facility scenario were 8.91%–61.91% and 10.16%–69.83% for minor and severe symptoms, respectively. Knowledge regarding public preference heterogeneity supports policymakers increase public acceptance in choosing primary healthcare facilities. Visit duration and doctors' experience should be considered a priority in decision making.