우리나라 일차의료 만성질환 관리 이용자의 경험 분석: 포커스 그룹 인터뷰에 기초하여

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the experience of patients of chronic disease management pilot project in primary care and to derive policy implications. Methods: Six focus group interviews were held with 36 patients enrolled in the pilot project. All interviews were recorded and transcribed as they were spoken, and a qualitative thematic analysis method was employed for the research questions. Results: Three themes were derived: experience in chronic disease management, experience in primary health care, and expectations for chronic disease management in primary care. Participants with chronic diseases were regularly taking medication, but efforts to manage their lifestyle were strenuous. They selected primary care due to trust in disease management, active communication with doctors, friendliness and convenience. Awareness raising, systematic services, diversification and capacity building, and quality improvement are needed to strengthen chronic disease management in primary care. Conclusion: It was meaningful to analyze the need for patient-specific and comprehensive service management for successful chronic disease management. There is a need to conduct continuous research on service quality, cooperative workforce development, and payment system to improve the quality of primary healthcare in Korea.