Locational behaviour, place preferences and the inverse care law in the distribution of primary medical care

Abstract

The nature and effects of the ‘inverse care law’ are discussed, and past attempts to promote an equitable distribution of medical manpower are assessed. A cognitive-behavioural approach is adopted to examine the practitioner's awareness of spatial inequalities in medical care standards and to identify the major factors underlying locational behaviour. Finally a series of space preference surfaces are constructed at both regional and intra-urban levels. It is suggested that interpretation of these surfaces in conjunction with objectively defined areas of underprovision can provide valuable guidance for future policy initiatives.