Abstract
Background Elderly adults are the demographic most likely to utilize emergency medical services (EMS). To allow for better management of EMS needs and planning, we must better understand the users’ needs and break down the differences in how the various demographic subgroups of the population utilize the offered services. This study examines the extent to which equity in the use of EMS have been achieved for elderly Koreans.Methods Using both descriptive and logistic regression analyses, this paper analyses the 2014 Korean Health Panel Survey data (n=3,175). Results It was found that certain predisposing factors such as sex, education, and marital status were significant predictors of EMS utilization. However, differences in need do not fully account for the original differences observed between subgroups of elderly Koreans. While health status and chronic disease were important predictors of elderly Koreans using EMS, income and place of residence did not account for the subgroup differences. Nonetheless, income and place of residence remain particularly important predictors of EMS utilization for the elderly. Conclusions The main predictors of EMS utilization by elderly Koreans include the presence of chronic disease and overall health status. Notably, though annual household income and place of residence were tested, they seem to have minimal impact on the utilization of EMS by elderly Koreans compared to factors that indicated health status and needs. In addition, the existing EMS system seems to compel certain subgroups of older Koreans (i.e., men, well-educated, married, high family income and/or people living in capital areas) to be less likely to use EMS. These predictors must be considered when modifying the EMS system to more efficiently and effectively manage already limited healthcare resources.
Factors affecting satisfaction with emergency medical services among elderly Koreans
