Distance as an influence on demand in general practice

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Geographic Epidemiology

Background:

• Healthcare access is influenced by geographical factors.
• Understanding patient-provider distance is crucial for equitable service delivery.
• Previous studies suggest proximity impacts healthcare utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the relationship between patient home-to-facility distance and healthcare utilization.
• To identify specific demographic groups most affected by distance barriers.
• To explore the economic factors influencing healthcare demand based on proximity.

Main Methods:

• Survey data from general practices in Lambeth, London.
• Analysis of healthcare utilization patterns across different patient demographics.
• Examination of distance effects on specific diagnostic groups.

Main Results:

• A negative correlation between distance and facility utilization was observed for most population segments.
• Men aged 15 to 64 were an exception, showing no significant distance effect.
• The impact of distance was most pronounced in women, the elderly, and lower socioeconomic classes (Social Classes III, IV, V).

Conclusions:

• Geographical distance is a significant barrier to healthcare access for vulnerable populations.
• Targeted interventions may be needed to mitigate distance-related underutilization.
• Economic principles of demand can help explain distance-related healthcare-seeking behaviors.