A model for physician utilization within 2 weeks. Analysis of Norwegian data.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Medical Sociology
• Healthcare Utilization Studies

Background:

• Physician utilization is influenced by complex factors beyond immediate medical need.
• Understanding these determinants is crucial for equitable healthcare access and resource allocation.
• Previous research has identified predisposing, enabling, and need factors in healthcare seeking behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the determinants of physician utilization in Norway.
• To investigate whether factors beyond medical need influence physician contact frequency.
• To model first and follow-up physician contacts within a defined period.

Main Methods:

• Logistic regression models were employed to analyze first and follow-up physician contacts.
• A simple regression model was used to study the number of follow-up contacts.
• Physician utilization was assessed over a two-week period.

Main Results:

• Both need, enabling, and predisposing variables significantly impact physician utilization.
• Factors beyond medical need contribute to differences in physician use.
• The study provides a comprehensive model for understanding total physician contacts.

Conclusions:

• Physician utilization is a multifactorial phenomenon influenced by need, enabling, and predisposing characteristics.
• Healthcare policy should consider these diverse factors to ensure equitable access.
• Further research can build upon this model to explore long-term physician utilization patterns.