Patient preferences for a hospital across borders : Evaluation of hospital- and patient characteristics influencing the preference for a hospital in potential Dutch patients living close to the German border in case of stroke or AMI using a Discrete-Choice Experiment

It was examined whether Dutch residents living close to the German border who could be quicker in a German hospital than in a Dutch hospital would prefer going to the German hospital in case of AMI or stroke. A Discrete-Choice Experiment was used to identify the preferences for a hospital. It appears that a short travel time to the hospital is the most important factor for patients' preferences for a hospital in emergency situations like stroke or AMI. A short travel to the hospital is therefore preferred over a treatment in the home country.