Determinants of revisit intention and willingness to recommend by Korean medicine users: A cross-sectional study

• Published in: European journal of integrative medicine 2022-12, Vol.56, p.102190, Article 102190
• Main Authors: Jeon, Yerim, Lee, Su Hyeon, Cheon, Chunhoo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Complementary medicine; Korean medicine; Korean Medicine Utilization and Herbal Medicine Consumption Survey; Revisit intention; Traditional medicine; Willingness to recommend
• ISSN: 1876-3820; 1876-3839
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2022.102190

Korean medicine, a form of complementary medicine, has been systematically established in Korea, and related national statistical data are being produced. The aim of this study was to derive a developmental strategy for complementary medicine by investigating the willingness of inpatients and outpatients to recommend Korean medicine as well as their intention to revisit. Data from 1010 outpatients and 904 inpatients included in the 2017 Korean Medicine Utilization and Herbal Medicine Consumption Survey were analyzed. The correlations between revisit intention, willingness to recommend, and variables including demographic characteristics, medical use, and satisfaction were measured using the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis. Male, single, and non-capital area users were less likely to revisit and make recommendations. Users who were dissatisfied with the attitude of Korean medicine doctors, attitude of employees, facility conditions, treatment results, medical expenses, and explanation of treatments had fewer intentions for future use and recommendations. Cupping, pharmacopuncture, and Chuna manual therapy were positively correlated with the intention to revisit and recommend Korean medicine. Satisfaction with treatment results was the most widely affecting variable, and satisfaction with facility conditions was an important determinant. Employee attitudes were a determinant of their willingness to recommend treatment.