Time changes in the geographical distribution of physicians and factors associated with starting rural practice in
1Takemi Program in International Health, Harvard T.H. Chang School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Purpose:
The geographical maldistribution of physicians is an important issue for health policy. This study aimed to evaluate recent trends in Japan and identify the factors associated with starting a rural practice.
Methods:
A longitudinal study was conducted using secondary analysis of national census data. The number of physicians in each region was described in 1996, 2006, and 2016 and, for two cohorts, 1996 to 2006 and 2006 to 2016; a logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors related to starting a rural practice after 10 years.
Findings:
Between 1996 and 2016, the number of physicians in rural areas increased by 4%. Results of the logistic regression analysis showed that, in both cohorts, the factor with the highest odds ratio for starting a rural practice after 10 years was initial academic hospital experience. Other factors showing positive correlations were additional hospital practice and being qualified and over 30 years old, whereas female sex and aged at least 40 years had negative correlations.
Conclusions:
From 1996 to 2016, despite the increase in the total number of physicians, geographical maldistribution increased. Some findings support the policy that some physicians should work in rural areas in return for scholarships.
More Related Videos
09:55Bridging the Technology Divide in the COVID-19 Era: Using Virtual Outreach to Expose Middle and High School Students to Imaging Technology
Published on: September 28, 2022
06:00Four Temporary Waterslide Designs Adapted to Different Slope Conditions to Encourage Child Socialization in Playgrounds
Published on: December 9, 2022
Related Concept Videos
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
01:30Current Trends in Nursing II
01:29Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
01:28Current Trends in Nursing I
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...