Incepted in 2008, the Korea Health Panel (KHP) is at its 14th wave in 2018. Over the past 11 years, there was panel attrition (fatigue) due to the aging of the sample. In response to the lowered representativeness of the sample, a substitutive panel was placed for complementation during the 2013 survey. However, in the process of combining the original panel and the substitutive panel, mean medical expenditure of household shrank considerably in 2013 in comparison to the figure of 2012. Hence, the purpose of this study is to find out causes of the problem that occurred after continued attrition of the panel and placement of a substitutive panel and suggest strategies to improve it.
As a result of our analysis on such problems as the survey management system of KHP, sample design, weights, and quality control of the survey, it turned out that KHP calls for improvement. First of all, survey operating method should be determined in such a way that can ensure representativeness and longitudinal value at the same time. Also, the goal of KHP should be clarified before an appropriate survey content can be constituted, and a better quality management system should be devised to enhance accuracy and reliability of the collected data. Also required are methods that can minimize panel attrition and methods for standardization of surveyor capability.

In conclusion, a proposal was made to reorganize the existing panel into a 2nd New KHP in the shape of a fixed panel that lasts for 5 or 6 years to enhance academic and policy values of it. A proposal was also made to enhance policy availability of KHP by clarifying its purpose as policy data and reconstituting the survey on that basis, To carryout the first survey of 2nd New KHP in 2020, we should make greater efforts for its success.