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Abstract
BackgroundInequalities in geographic access to health care result from the configuration of facilities, population distribution, and the transportation infrastructure. In recent accessibility studies, the traditional distance measure (Euclidean) has been replaced with more plausible measures such as travel distance or time. Both network and raster-based methods are often utilized for estimating travel time in a Geographic Information System. Therefore, exploring the differences in the underlying data models and associated methods and their impact on geographic accessibility estimates is warranted.MethodsWe examine the assumptions present in population-based travel time models. Conceptual and practical differences between raster and network data models are reviewed, along with methodological implications for service area estimates. Our case study investigates Limited Access Areas defined by Michigan’s Certificate of Need (CON) Program. Geographic accessibility is calculated by identifying the number of people residing more than 30 minutes from an acute care hospital. Both network and raster-based methods are implemented and their results are compared. We also examine sensitivity to changes in travel speed settings and population assignment.ResultsIn both methods, the areas identified as having limited accessibility were similar in their location, configuration, and shape. However, the number of people identified as having limited accessibility varied substantially between methods. Over all permutations, the raster-based method identified more area and people with limited accessibility. The raster-based method was more sensitive to travel speed settings, while the network-based method was more sensitive to the specific population assignment method employed in Michigan.ConclusionsDifferences between the underlying data models help to explain the variation in results between raster and network-based methods. Considering that the choice of data model/method may substantially alter the outcomes of a geographic accessibility analysis, we advise researchers to use caution in model selection. For policy, we recommend that Michigan adopt the network-based method or reevaluate the travel speed assignment rule in the raster-based method. Additionally, we recommend that the state revisit the population assignment method.
Highlights
Inequalities in geographic access to health care result from the configuration of facilities, population distribution, and the transportation infrastructure
Identifying areas with limited spatial accessibility of health care services allows planners to understand the effects of opening, closing, or relocating health care facilities or modifying the services offered by existing facilities [5]
We found that the National Functional Classification (NFC) system provided valuable information for speed limit assignment, but should be superseded or supplemented with Framework Classification Code (FCC) or road ownership
Summary
Inequalities in geographic access to health care result from the configuration of facilities, population distribution, and the transportation infrastructure. The traditional distance measure (Euclidean) has been replaced with more plausible measures such as travel distance or time. Both network and raster-based methods are often utilized for estimating travel time in a Geographic Information System. Disparities in the geographic accessibility of health care services arise due to the manner in which people and facilities are arranged spatially. The spatial or geographic dimensions of access have received considerable attention from planners and researchers for many years [3]. Accurate and detailed representations of spatial accessibility are imperative to describe and understand the overall access picture
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