Citation

Evans R, Larkins S, Cheffins T, Fleming R, Johnston K, Tennant M. Aust. J. Prim. Health 2017; 23(2): 114-122.

Affiliation

International Research Collaborative - Oral Health and Equity, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Australian Institute for Primary Care and School of Public Health, La Trobe University, Publisher CSIRO Publishing)

DOI

10.1071/PY15175

PMID

27531704

Abstract

Australia has seen a significant increase in people aged over 65 years accessing general practice services over the last decade. Although people aged 65 years and over comprise 14% of the total population, this age demographic accounts for the largest proportion of general practitioner (GP)-patient encounters. Access to general practice is important for older Australians as the burden of chronic disease increases with age. A geographic information system, ArcGIS, was used to assess geographic access to general practice for older people residing in the regional Queensland towns of Mackay, Townsville and Cairns. Geographic units with high proportions of over 65-year-old people were spatially analysed in relation to proximity to geomapped general practices with a 2-km buffer zone. Modelling of changes in access was performed with the strategic location of a new general practice where gaps existed. Geographic access to general practice for the older population was poorest in Cairns despite a high population density. Addition of a single, strategically placed general practice in Cairns markedly improved access. Socioeconomic analysis suggested that general practices were appropriately located in areas of greatest need. Geographic information systems provide a means to map population characteristics against service locations to assist in strategic development and location of future health services.

Language: en