Perceptions of primary care in Korea: a comparison of patient and physician focus group discussions

• DOI: 10.1186/s12875-014-0178-5
• Publication Date: 2014-10-30T12:22:53Z
• Authors: Minsu Ock; Jung-Eun Kim; Min-Woo Jo; Hyeon-Jeong Lee; Hyun Joo Kim; Jin Yong Lee
• Keywords: Interview; Healthcare system

The primary care system in the Republic of Korea has weakened over past decade and is now poorer condition than systems other countries. However, little known about how two key players, patients physicians, view current status Korea. This study aims to understand what problems they perceive respect components care.We conducted focus groups; one with six physicians. We designed modified guidelines for each group discussion through repeated review among all authors then we groups a professional interviewer at Gallup After analyzed verbatim transcriptions identify specific meanings potential implications.From identified that physicians did not have correct understanding role care. also significant discrepancy between their perception In particular, patient perceived quality be poor unsatisfactory while physician better countries.The discussions revealed such discrepancies resulted from Korea's distorted healthcare delivery system, undifferentiated roles organizations, patients' freedom choice selecting providers institutional factors. There are several steps should taken promote First, undertake efforts improve provided by Second, inform general public using clinics instead hospitals treatment simple or minor diseases. Third, introduce new compensation scheme compensate services related health education, disease prevention, behavioral change nutrition consultation. Finally, provide additional reimbursement so can extend office hours meet needs patients.