Open AccessThe centralization of operations and access to treatment: total hip replacement in Manitoba.
Author(s) -
Noralou P. Roos,
David J. Lyttle
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.75.2.130
Subject(s) - commission , medicine , population , health care , health services , medical services , geography , demography , medical emergency , environmental health , business , economic growth , finance , sociology , economics
The impact of centralized facilities on access to care was tested by studying total hip arthroplasty in the Province of Manitoba, Canada. Data from the Manitoba Health Services Commission, which insures costs of all medical services in the Province, show that the availability of this surgical procedure has increased steadily over the 1973-78 period at a rate similar to that elsewhere in North America. Although Manitoba's population is geographically dispersed, specialized orthopedic services are concentrated in two urban centers. No important difference in access to care for this condition was found between urban center residents and residents distant from the surgical facilities.