Effect of the new cooperative medical care on the use of outpatient services by the rural residents in Dongying / 中华医院管理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the effect of the new cooperative medical care on the use of outpatient services by rural residents so as to provide scientific basis for its improvement. Methods Using the stratified cluster sampling method, house-to-house surveys on the residents of Dongying via interviews were conducted both before and after the implementation of the new cooperative medical care. Results Although the two-week rate of seeking medical services by the rural residents after the implementation of the new cooperative medical care did not increase, changes did take place in the flow direction of the patients and the rate of seeking medical services at the end of two weeks took a downward turn. Fairness in the use of health services by the residents was enhanced. Conclusion The new cooperative medical care strongly guarantees rural patients' access to medical care.