FREE HOSPITAL CHOICE IN SWITZERLAND – PATIENTS’ DECISION CRITERIA AND SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Since 2012 Swiss DRG (diagnosis related groups) allows patients to choose a hospital for elective treatments in acute care. The so called “free hospital choice” enables patients with basic insurance to choose a public or private hospital located inside or outside the canton of residence. These options apply to inpatient treatment of acute diseases (somatic and psychiatry) as well as to inpatient medical rehabilitation. There is a lack of data in Switzerland on patients’ decision behaviour regarding hospital choice for elective treatments and there is only little information on patients’ decision criteria. However, hospitals would benefit from such data, which would support strategy development and positioning of the hospital in competitive environments. Studies conducted in other European countries show that patients obviously use a mix of information sources. References of the general practitioner or physician and recommendations of family members and friends are the most important sources. Personal experience also affects hospital choice, although it is mentioned in two studies. Patients’ characteristics like age, sex, health status, and the level of education influence the kind of information sources used. Qualification of physicians and nurses, treatments’ state of the art, specific competence of the hospital, patient’s involvement, cleanliness, friendliness of the staff and satisfaction with the hospital are factors influencing hospital choice and patient satisfaction.