Factors influencing value-based care application among medical students and postgraduate in Thailand.

BACKGROUND

The adoption of Value-Based Care (VBC) is essential for enhancing healthcare quality and efficiency, with implications for future healthcare delivery. The primary outcome of this study was to determine factors influencing the application of VBC principles among sixth-year medical students and postgraduate trainees in Thailand. Understanding these factors is essential for designing targeted educational interventions that prepare trainees for patient-centered healthcare practice.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study at the Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, involving 90 participants, including 51 postgraduate trainees and 39 sixth-year medical students. Participants completed a comprehensive online questionnaire assessing their VBC-related attitudes, perceptions, intentions, and applications. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, and multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

Distinct differences in VBC application scores were evident between the two groups. Moderate associations were found between attitudes and perceptions (r = 0.44, p < 0.001), as well as between intentions and applications (r = 0.53, p < 0.001). Regression analysis identified family health history (β = 4.32, 95% CI: 0.69 to 7.94, p = 0.021) as a key predictor among sixth-year medical students, while financial security (β = 4.33, 95% CI: 1.69 to 6.97, p = 0.002) was significant for postgraduate trainees. Perception (β = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.54, p = 0.005) and intention (β = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.73, p = 0.011) were significant predictors for both groups, particularly among postgraduate trainees.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores the critical influence of personal and financial factors on VBC adoption among medical students and trainees. Integrating targeted educational strategies addressing these predictors could enhance VBC education, better preparing students for patient-centered healthcare practice.