Measuring Potential Access to Primary Healthcare Services: The Influence of Alternative Spatial Representations of Population

Abstract

Spatial accessibility measures are an important policy tool for managing healthcare provision and reducing health inequality. The two-step floating catchment area technique, in common with many alternative methodologies, requires that demand-side population be estimated using spatial interpolation techniques. This article studies the implications of adopting differing spatial representations of population on healthcare accessibility modeling outcomes. Results indicate that a dasymetric model yields lower accessibility scores than a standard pro rata model. More important, the difference is spatially disproportionate, suggesting that the degree of disadvantage experienced in rural areas may be greater than has previously been recognized.

Key Words:

• dasymetric mapping
• healthcare provision
• population
• spatial accessibility
• spatial representation

Notes

Source: Adapted from Talen (2003).

Note: GP=general practitioner.

Note: RCT = Rhondda Cynon Taff.

¹ http://www.statistics.gov.uk/geography/soa.asp (last accessed 26 July 2005).

² http://www.statistics.gov.uk/geography/urban_rural.asp (last accessed 26 July 2005).