Vietnamese patients' choice of healthcare provider: in search of quality information

Abstract

This paper communicates results from a statistical investigation into questions of relationships between sources of healthcare information, data sufficiency and final outcomes of Vietnamese patients' choice of healthcare provider. The study employs a dataset of 1,459 observations collected from a survey in the Hanoi region in the fourth quarter of 2015. Significant relationships among these factors are identified following categorical data modelling employing the baseline-category logit (BCL) method. Among the significant results reported, sources of information, cost, and amount of time for seeking information are found to have significant influences on data sufficiency. The quality of information and health professionals' credibility are critical factors in helping patients choose a healthcare provider In addition, empirical probabilities for different conditions patients face are provided together with insights and policy implications. Final suggestions emphasise an upgrade of the knowledge base and an increase in public access to information with internet-based innovations such as smartphone apps and data storage with the participation of healthcare providers and the Ministry of Health's ICT units. The underutilised 115 Emergency Service could also be transformed to function as a call centre that helps coordinate and channel requests for information across a broad network of healthcare professionals for better public use.