PRIMARY CARE PATIENTS’ PREFERENCES AND WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR HOME-BASED HEALTHCARE IN CHINA - Abstract

Sep 29, 2026

Uploaded by Mabel

Population aging and chronic disease burdens drive urgent demand for high-quality, patient-centered home-based healthcare and support services (HHSS) for older adults, yet evidence on patient preferences in developing countries is limited. This study assessed preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) among primary care patients in China using a discrete choice experiment with 312 patients from 13 community health centers (Jan–May 2023). Scope of services was most influential (67.33%), favoring physician-led diagnostics and treatment over prevention, mental health support, or daily assistance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Study aim and background

Methods and participants

Key preferences and attribute importance

Latent class subgroups and WTP findings

Implications for HHSS policy

938 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.3168 PRIMARY CARE PATIENTS’ PREFERENCES AND WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR HOME-BASED HEALTHCARE IN CHINA Sixian Du1, and Yaqing Liu2, 1. Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (People’s Republic), 2. Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, Hubei, China (People’s Republic) Population aging and the increasing burden of chronic diseases have created urgent demand for high-quality, patient-centered home-based healthcare and support services (HHSS) for older adults. However, evidence on patient preferences for HHSS in developing countries remains limited. This study aimed to identify preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for HHSS among primary care patients in China, focusing on the aging population. A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted with 312 patients from 13 community health centers in Wuhan and Kunming between January and May 2023. Five attributes were included: scope of services, type of healthcare professional, service institution, insurance reimbursement, and visiting fee. Mixed logit models revealed that the scope of services was the most influential attribute (relative importance 67.33%), with strong preferences for physician-led diagnostic and treatment services over preventive care, mental health support, or daily living assistance. Participants favored services provided by hospitals (19.84% importance) and qualified physicians (12.42% importance), reflecting trust in formal medical institutions. Latent class analysis identified three distinct subgroups: 60.2% prioritized comprehensive medical services; 16.6% preferred services delivered by reputable institutions and professionals; and 23.2% were highly sensitive to cost and reimbursement. WTP analysis indicated patients were willing to pay more for diagnostic and treatment services but less for mental health or care support services. These findings suggest that expanding physician-led, home-based medical care while addressing affordability barriers is critical for advancing geriatric HHSS in China. Policymakers should prioritize developing integrated, multidisciplinary HHSS models to promote healthy aging and support aging in place.

FAQs

What was the main purpose of the study?

To identify preferences and willingness to pay for home-based healthcare and support services among primary care patients in China, especially focusing on aging needs.

How was patient preference measured and who participated?

A discrete choice experiment was conducted with 312 patients from 13 community health centers in Wuhan and Kunming between January and May 2023.

Which service attribute had the greatest influence on choices?

The scope of services was the most influential attribute, showing strong preferences for physician-led diagnostic and treatment services.

What do the findings suggest for HHSS development in China?

Expanding physician-led home-based medical care while addressing affordability barriers is critical, and policymakers should prioritize integrated, multidisciplinary HHSS models.

Sep 29, 2026

Uploaded by Mabel