Addressing geographic access barriers to emergency care services: a national ecologic study of hospitals in Brazil

• DOI: 10.1186/s12939-017-0645-4
• Publication Date: 2017-08-22T12:45:06Z
• Authors: Thiago Augusto He...; Núbia Cristina da...; Pedro Vasconcelos...; Allan Claudius Qu...; João Victor Muniz...; Viviane Alvares; Dante Grapiuna de...; Elaine Thumé; Erika Bárbara Abr...; Rejane Christine ...; Marta Rovery de S...; Adriana Lein; Daniel Paulino Lopes; Catherine A. Staton; João Ricardo Nick...; Luiz Augusto Facc...
• Keywords: Equity; Health Services Research; Catchment area; Location

Unequal distribution of emergency care services is a critical barrier to be overcome assure access and surgical care. Considering this context it was objective the present work analyze geographic barriers in Brazil. A secondary aim study define possible roles assumed by small hospitals Brazilian healthcare network challenges. The can classified as cross-sectional ecological study. To carry out study, data all 5843 were categorized among high complexity centers hospitals. geographical identified through use two-step floating catchment area method. Once concluded previous step an evaluation using Getis-Ord-Gi method performed identify spatial clusters municipalities with limited but well covered well-equipped analysis accessibility index highlighted large portions country nearly zero hospital beds inhabitant. In contrast, observe group 1595 hospitals, simultaneously low coverage centers. Among good 74% (1183) at least 60% minimum service requirements. aggregated 589 values related Small these cities could promote equity benefiting more than eight million people. There disequilibrium within prominent gaps health for services. Taking challenge into consideration, solution foster However investments are necessary improve capabilities fill gap.