The impact of a clinic move on vulnerable patients with chronic disease: a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis

J Am Board Fam Med. 2010 Jan-Feb;23(1):128-30. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2010.01.090103.

Abstract

Background: Changing locations disrupts the populations served by primary health care clinics, and such changes may differentially affect access to care for vulnerable populations.

Methods: Online geographic information systems mapping tools were used to define how the relocation of a family medicine center impacted access to care for black and Hispanic patients with chronic disease.

Results: Maps created from practice management data revealed a distinct shift in black and Hispanic patients with chronic disease being served in the new location.

Conclusions: Geographic information systems tools are valuable aids in defining changing service areas of primary health care clinics.

MeSH terms

  • Black People / statistics & numerical data*
  • Chronic Disease / epidemiology*
  • Chronic Disease / ethnology
  • Continuity of Patient Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Family Practice / education
  • Family Practice / statistics & numerical data*
  • Geographic Information Systems*
  • Health Facility Moving / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Planning Guidelines
  • Health Services Accessibility / statistics & numerical data*
  • Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Internship and Residency
  • Ohio
  • Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Primary Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Vulnerable Populations / statistics & numerical data*