A location-based comparison of health care services in four U.S. states with efficiency and equity

This paper examines the efficiency and equality in geographic accessibility provided by hospitals. We use the criteria efficiency, availability of the service, and equality. Quantitative measures are defined for all criteria, and are measured using a geographical information system. We then compare...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Socio-economic planning sciences 2012-06, Vol.46 (2), p.157-163
Main Authors: Burkey, M.L., Bhadury, J., Eiselt, H.A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Access to health care
Accessibility
Comparative analysis
Coverage
Efficiency
Equity
Geographic distribution
Hospital location
Hospitals
Patients
U.S.A
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Summary:This paper examines the efficiency and equality in geographic accessibility provided by hospitals. We use the criteria efficiency, availability of the service, and equality. Quantitative measures are defined for all criteria, and are measured using a geographical information system. We then compare existing locations with optimal locations satisfying two objectives, one that minimizes hospital–patient distance, and another that captures as many patients as possible within a pre-specified time or distance. The results of our study indicate that the existing locations provide near-optimal geographic access to health care. Some potential for improvement is indicated. ► This paper examines the locations of hospitals in four Southern U.S. States. ► We compare the existing locations to optimally efficient and equitable locations. ► Computational results indicate that the existing locations are close to optimal.
ISSN:0038-0121
1873-6041
DOI:10.1016/j.seps.2012.01.002