THE MODELS OF BEHAVIOR OF PATIENTS UNDER INTERACTION WITH HEALTH CARE SYSTEM AS EXEMPLIFIED BY DIGESTIVE APPARATUS DISEASES

The role of patient, especially at early stages of disease, is decisive one in relation to disease outcome. Therefore, it is extremely important to analyze typical and deviant forms of one's behavior in interaction with health care system. The purpose of the study is to analyze models of behavior of patients with diseases of digestive system in interaction with the health care system. Three comparison groups were formed for analysis. The first one included patients undergoing planned out-patient treatment (n=531), the second one patients undergoing planned in-patient treatment (specialized Gastroenterology Department) (n=822). The third one patients admitted for in-patient treatment at the Emergency Medical Care Hospital on emergency basis (n=147) on account of complications of primary disease (pathology of digestive organs). The groups were compared using such non-parametric criteria as the association coefficient (Cass) and the 2 criterion. It is established that at choosing physician, the most frequently used source of information by patients is opinions of ones who have already was treated by particular physician. In all three groups, this source of information was used most frequently. The second source most frequently used was one's own previous experience of visiting this physician. The third most important criterion of choice was patient own opinion. At that, no reliable differences in using of information sources by patients included in first and second groups were found. The significant differences in behavior models were found among patients of third group that significantly affects possibility of complications requiring emergency hospitalization. The main criterion for choosing medical organization, if such an opportunity exists, is availability of competent specialists that is considered much more important than good reputation of medical organization. The geographical accessibility is also of great importance for patients, especially for ones receiving medical care in out-patient conditions. The specific characteristics of the models of behavior patterns of patients in each group should to determine other general characteristics of behavior associated with interaction of patient and the health care system.