Abstract
Purposes: This study aimed to identify relevant factors that determine cancer surgery at a medium-sized general hospital where patients are diagnosed with cancer. Methodology: The study subjects were 1,530 patients diagnosed with cancer between November 2013 and October 2019 at a 400-bed general hospital located in the metropolitan area. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the patient characteristics, cancer types, and characteristics of treatment experience of the study subjects, in addition to the determinants of cancer surgery in the hospital. Findings: Among 1,530 cases diagnosed with cancer, 353 cases (23.1%) were operated at the hospital where the cancer diagnosis was made. As determinants of surgery after a fist-time diagnosis at a general hospital, the likelihood of having surgery at the hospital, for colorectal cancer patients compared to stomach cancer patients (Odds Ratio=2.38), bladder and kidney cancer patients (Odds Ratio=1.79). According to the results of an additional survey conducted, it was found that important determinants of decisions on a hospital to receive cancer surgery were the kindness of the staff including doctors and nurses, and the trust in the medical skills and technique of the doctor. Practical Implication: The management of general hospitals should take note of the fact that it is important to establish proactive strategies for hospital management including strengthening the rapport between patients and medical institutions based on the kindness of medical staff (doctors and nurses) and staff, in addition to promoting cancer adequacy evaluation results and introducing one-stop systems.