Medical facility preferences among older patients with diabetes: A discrete choice experiment in a Japanese primary care setting

Abstract

Background

To support aging patients living with diabetes, understanding their medical facility preferences is relevant, considering their healthcare needs and mobility status.

Aims

We conducted a discrete choice experiment among adult patients with diabetes in a Japanese primary care setting.

Methods

A binary logit model was used to estimate the relative importance of medical facility attributes based on age group, driving status, and presence of companions during medical visits.

Results

Of 1,027 participants with the median age of 70 years (interquartile range: 60, 75), 29% were aged ≥ 75 years, 65% were men, 21% developed diabetic complications, and 51% had multimorbidity. Generally, the participants preferred clinics over hospitals, face-to-face consultations over online consultations, and shorter travel and waiting times. Older patients were more flexible with travel and waiting times than younger patients. Although online consultations were less preferred overall, older patients who do not drive were relatively receptive to online consultations, and those who were accompanied by someone during medical visits showed a preference for large hospitals.

Discussion

Patient preferences vary by age and mobility status and may influence medical facility choices. Online consultations and having a companion during medical visits would be helpful for older patients with diabetes and mobility challenges.

Conclusions

The discrete choice experiment revealed the medical facility preferences among older patients with mobility challenges. Our findings suggest new avenues for older patients with diabetes to access optimal care.