Knock knock: can doorstep public service improve community outcomes?

Abstract

Governments across the globe have been striving to improve the delivery of public service. Doorstep public service is an initiative that aims to enhance social and health services for vulnerable populations. This study examines the effectiveness of a typical doorstep service: a home visiting program. We specifically investigate whether home visits influence community health outcomes, including patients' health conditions, hospital visits, and medical expenses. We also explore whether the effectiveness of home visits varies during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on data from South Korea spanning from 2017 to 2020 years, we employ a quasi-experimental design using a difference-in-differences (DID) model to compare neighbourhood offices implementing the program. Findings show that communities offering this program demonstrated improved health conditions, fewer hospital visits, and lower medical expenses compared to communities without the program. Additionally, this program mitigated the adverse impacts of the pandemic on community health outcomes. Implications underline the importance of doorstep options for enhancing public service delivery, particularly during health emergencies.