Open AccessACCESSIBILITY MODELLING AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH SERVICE PLANNING
Author(s) -
Sheerin Ian G.,
Barnett J. Ross
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
community health studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.946
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1753-6405
pISSN - 0314-9021
DOI - 10.1111/j.1753-6405.1981.tb00329.x
Subject(s) - economic shortage , equity (law) , health services , business , distribution (mathematics) , service (business) , environmental planning , geography , medicine , political science , environmental health , marketing , population , linguistics , philosophy , government (linguistics) , law , mathematical analysis , mathematics
The appropriateness of accessibility models for evaluating efficiency and equity in the distribution of general practitioners in New Zealand cities is examined, using the example of Christchurch. Such models, commonly used in town planning and increasingly in health services research abroad, represent an objective technique for aiding decision‐makers in assessing planning options. There are considerable variations in accessibility to primary health care in Christchurch with the greatest shortage being experienced in the eastern suburbs. Computer simulation of several possible locations for new doctors' surgeries indicates a decentralised pattern to be most equitable and efficient.