Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 13, 2026
Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published on: January 12, 2019
Proximity to Healthcare Services Among Individuals With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Shiny Thomas1, Treeva A Jaff2, Kristin M Conway3
1Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York.
Introduction:
The aim of this study was to describe travel from residence to healthcare facilities among individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Methods:
The sample included 302 males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy born on January 1, 2000, and followed through December 31, 2015. Using geocoded residential and facility addresses, the authors estimated travel time for trips to unique facilities.
Results:
The authors identified 7,546 provider visits and 6,064 visits to unique facilities. Over an average of 4.8 person-years of follow-up, the authors estimated a mean of 5.3 unique provider visits and a mean of 4.3 unique visits to facilities per person-year. Overall median drive time exceeded 1.5 hours roundtrip, and averaged overall median 1-way public transit time was 1.9 hours. The longest drive times were detected among younger, non-Hispanic Whites, and other race/ethnicity groups.
Conclusions:
The findings suggest long travel times for clinical care for a subset of individuals. Additional research is needed to examine the burden associated with traveling to healthcare facilities.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Satellite Stem Cells and Muscular Dystrophy
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...
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
01:11Secondary Healthcare System
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...