An Exploratory Study of Ideal Medical Systems Based on the Experiences of Laypeople in South Korea

• Published in: SAGE open Vol. 14; no. 4
• Main Authors: Yu, Soo-Young, Suh, Eunyoung E., Lim, Seongmi, Kim, Ji-yeon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.10.2024; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC; SAGE Publishing
• Subjects: Economic Status; Health Services; Hospitals; Insurance; Interviews; Medical Services; Patient-centered care; South Korea; patient-centered care; quality of healthcare/organization and administration; qualitative research
• ISSN: 2158-2440; 2158-2440
• DOI: 10.1177/21582440241304578

Due to a worldwide paradigm shift from a medical-centered system to patient-centered care, there is a need to recognize actual (practical) medical service from laypeople. In South Korea, intrinsic healthcare use characteristics such as the “Herd Behavior” have led to waiting many hours for a short treatment time at metropolitan-based major hospitals. Illustrating individual perceptions of an ideal healthcare system should take precedence when defining this issue. This study aimed to explore and describe laypeople in South Korea’s perceptions of ideal healthcare services based on their utilization of medical services. This qualitative study was conducted with 13 members of the National Participation Committee using semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic analysis method and visualized through a word cloud generated with MAXQDA software. Six themes were derived from the visualized words and an incremental analysis to explore perceptions of desirable medical services. Participants struggled to find a suitable hospital without expert guidance and felt objectified for their money. They distrusted and didn’t want to speak in front of medical professionals. They wanted their essential needs to be met regardless of their economic status. This study provides a description portrait of laypeople’s experiences related to healthcare services in South Korea, where medical services are predominantly provided by private hospitals with public insurance coverage. Users’ desire for tailored information through an integrated medical system that has a strong emphasis on people-centeredness must be embraced. Plain Language Summary In the shift towards patient-centered care, understanding the views of ordinary people regarding healthcare services is vital. In South Korea, characteristics like following the crowd have led to long wait times at major hospitals. This study aimed to explore how ordinary people perceive ideal healthcare services based on their experiences. Thirteen members of the National Participation Committee were interviewed, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Six themes emerged, revealing participants’ struggles in finding suitable hospitals without guidance, feeling objectified based on their financial worth, and lacking trust in and hesitating to communicate with medical professionals. They also emphasized the importance of having their essential needs met regardless of their economic status. The study provides insights into ordinary people’s experiences with healthcare in South Korea, where private hospitals are predominant and public insurance coverage exists. The findings emphasize the desire for tailored information and an integrated medical system focused on people-centered care. It is important to consider these perspectives to improve healthcare and meet the population’s needs.