학술논문

Using geographic information system tools to improve access to MS specialty care in Veterans Health Administration.
Document Type
Article
Source
Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development. 2010, Vol. 47 Issue 6, p583-591. 9p. 2 Charts, 1 Graph, 4 Maps.
Subject
*MULTIPLE sclerosis treatment
*ALGORITHMS
*ANALYSIS of variance
*COMPARATIVE studies
*DATABASES
*GEOGRAPHIC information systems
*HEALTH services accessibility
*MEDICAL information storage & retrieval systems
*MAPS
*VETERANS
*MULTIHOSPITAL systems
*RESEARCH funding
*TIME
*TRAVEL
*VETERANS' hospitals
*RETROSPECTIVE studies
Language
ISSN
0748-7711
Abstract
Access to appropriate and timely healthcare is critical to the overall health and well-being of patients with chronic diseases. In this study, we used geographic information system (GIS) tools to map Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their access to MS specialty care. We created six travel-time bands around VHA facilities with MS specialty care and calculated the number of VHA patients with MS who resided in each time band and the number of patients who lived more than 2 hours from the nearest specialty clinic in fiscal year 2007. We demonstrate the utility of using GIS tools in decision-making by providing three examples of how patients' access to care is affected when additional specialty clinics are added. The mapping technique used in this study provides a powerful and valuable tool for policy and planning personnel who are evaluating how to address underserved populations and areas within the VHA healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]