Development of a hexagonal, mesh-based distribution method for community health centres.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Spatial Analysis

Background:

• Community health centres (CHCs) are crucial for primary healthcare access.
• Previous CHC distribution relied on empirical methods, often lacking equity and efficiency.
• Optimizing CHC location and numbers is vital for fair and effective healthcare delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel method for distributing CHCs based on equity and efficiency principles.
• To test and refine this distribution method using Guangdong Province, China, as a case study.
• To improve the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of primary healthcare services.

Main Methods:

• A hexagonal mesh-based methodology was developed through literature review and expert consultation.
• The method was iteratively revised and simulated to achieve optimal CHC placement.
• Effectiveness was evaluated by measuring coverage area and population reached.

Main Results:

• The hexagonal mesh method identified optimal locations and numbers for CHCs.
• The proposed distribution plan improved area coverage by 52.8% and population coverage by 80.7%.
• This represents a significant improvement of 15.4% in area and 14.7% in population coverage compared to previous methods.

Conclusions:

• The hexagonal mesh-based distribution method effectively determines CHC location and quantity.
• This approach enhances resident accessibility to primary healthcare and maximizes cost-effectiveness.
• Grid-based urban management, including CHC localization, offers a rational planning framework applicable to various urban management purposes.