Impact of Market Competition on Continuity of Care and Hospital Admissions for Asthmatic Children: A Longitudinal Analysis of Nationwide Health Insurance Data 2009-2013.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ambulatory care-sensitive conditions, including asthma, can be managed with timely and effective outpatient care, thereby reducing the need for hospitalization.

Objective

This study assessed the relationship between market competition, continuity of care (COC), and hospital admissions in asthmatic children according to their health care provider.

Methods

A longitudinal design was employed with a 5-year follow-up period, between 2009 and 2013, under a Korean universal health insurance program. A total of 253 geographical regions were included in the analysis, according to data from the Korean Statistical Office. Data from 9,997 patients, aged ≤ 12 years, were included. We measured the COC over a 5-year period using the Usual Provider Continuity (UPC) index.

SUBMITTER: Cho KH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4795663 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature