The distance and chance of lifetime geographical movement of physicians in Japan: an analysis using the age-period-cohort model

• DOI: 10.1186/s12960-018-0289-5
• Publication Date: 2018-06-13T00:47:02Z
• Authors: Hiroo Ide; Shunsuke Doi; Hidenao Atarashi; Shinsuke Fujita; Soichi Koike
• Keywords: Location

The uneven geographical distribution of physicians in Japan is a result those electing to work certain locations. In order understand this phenomenon, it necessary analyze the geographic movement across Japanese landscape. We obtained individual data on from 1978 2012 detailing their attributes, institutions, and are governmental sources (the Survey Physicians, Dentists, Pharmacists). total sample size was 122 150 physicians, with 77.5% being male 22.5% female. After obtaining data, we calculated distance each physician’s by using information systems software (GIS; ArcGIS, ESRI, Inc., CA, USA). Geographical then converted into time distance. compared resulting median values through nonparametric testing conducted multivariate analysis. Our next step involved use an age-period-cohort (APC) model measure degree impact three points experience (experience years), historical environmental context (survey year), physician cohort (registration year) had physician. ratio female who selected urban area as first working location higher than that physicians. However, selection becoming more popular for both males females year increased. overall less Physicians moved greatest between second fourth years following license acquisition, at which point became shorter. 46 min 2000 22 2008. our study did not move far location, lessened recent study. after 20 25.9 km 19.1 results APC indicated effects (age) gradually declined, survey (period) increased, registration (cohort) increased initially before leveling off. trends introduction new mandatory training system 2004 may imply concentration Japan’s areas expected increase. 2000, effect period explains movements so factor age.