[What factors affect choice of hospital in cases of trauma? A study of conditions in the county of Ringkøbing].

The aim of the study was to investigate the behaviour of trauma patients in choosing between different hospitals in an area where there were no restrictions in choice. The design of the study was a combination of a questionnaire (600 persons) and an analysis of hospital data concerning all admissions of trauma patients to five different hospitals in the county of Ringkøbing in the period 1.1. to 31.12. 1990. The study showed that most trauma patients chose to be treated at the nearest hospital regardless of hospital size and specialization, and that only a very minor proportion of the trauma patients in a special subarea chose to be treated at a larger and more distant hospital. For inhabitants in border areas between hospitals the quality of treatment, service, former experience and the ease of getting to the hospital (e.g. by public transportation for visitors) were the main factors determining choice between the different hospitals.