Effective Factors in Selection of public and private hospitals by patients in Kerman in 2012

Since the condition of hospital services is important from the perspective of patients referring to hospitals, this study was carried out to recognize factors influencing the choice of public and private hospitals to treat patients in Kerman in 2012. The present descriptive – analytical study was carried out cross sectional. Statistical population consisted of hospitalized patients of private and public hospitals covered by Kerman University of Medical Sciences, of whom 220 were selected through random sampling. A questionnaire consisting of two parts was applied for data collection. The first part of the questionnaire included demographic questions and the second part contained questions on the effect of different factors on refereeing to hospital. Data were analyzed using statistical tests of chi square, Man withney u and T through SPSS ver 18 Alpha The most principal factors of choosing public hospitals by patients were access to skillful physicians, the good physician – patient relationship and presence on the bedside, and physicians relations and reputation. However, the most principal factors of choosing private hospitals were access to qualified and experienced physicians and patients income The most important factor in selection of public and private hospitals by patients is the expert physicians. The hospital costs and patient’s income are also effective factors in the selection.