Factors Affecting Mothers' Preference for University Hospitals for Their Sick Children

Aim: This study aimed to identify the reasons why mothers of patients who visited the pediatric clinics and polyclinics of a university hospital chose the university hospital and to examine the factors influencing this decision. Materials and Methods: A survey prepared by the researchers was applied to the mothers accompanying the patients between April 1 and May 31, 2015 to determine demographic information and the reason for preferring the university hospital. Findings: Data from the surveys applied to 385 mothers between the ages of 17-59 (mean age=32.7 ± 6.9 years) were analyzed. 188 (48.8%) of the patients were girls and the mean age of all patients was=6.7 ± 4.9 years. The most important factor in choosing a university hospital was the high number of experienced specialist physicians who have made a career, and the lowest factor was the high number of radiological tests. Conclusion: The study highlights the complexity of hospital selection, driven by personal, institutional and societal factors, providing valuable insights for improving healthcare services and policy planning. The findings highlight the need for healthcare providers to prioritize patient-centered improvements, manage expectations and strategically consider geographical and financial aspects when developing services or establishing new facilities.