OBJECTIVE: In this study, we developed a geoprocessing toolbox including Python script tools for the ArcGIS Pro environment to measure the spatial accessibility of health services using both classic and enhanced versions of the 2-step floating catchment area method.
METHODS: Each of our tools incorporated both distance buffers and travel time catchments to calculate accessibility scores based on users\' choices. Additionally, we developed a separate tool to create travel time catchments that is compatible with both locally available network data sets and ArcGIS Online data sources. We conducted a case study focusing on the accessibility of hemodialysis services in the state of Tennessee using the 4 versions of the accessibility tools. Notably, the calculation of the target population considered age as a significant nonspatial factor influencing hemodialysis service accessibility. Weighted populations were calculated using end-stage renal disease incidence rates in different age groups.
RESULTS: The implemented tools are made accessible through ArcGIS Online for free use by the research community. The case study revealed disparities in the accessibility of hemodialysis services, with urban areas demonstrating higher scores compared to rural and suburban regions.
CONCLUSIONS: These geoprocessing tools can serve as valuable decision-support resources for health care providers, organizations, and policy makers to improve equitable access to health care services. This comprehensive approach to measuring spatial accessibility can empower health care stakeholders to address health care distribution challenges effectively.
目的:在本研究中,我们为ArcGISPro环境开发了一个包含Python脚本工具的地理处理工具箱,以使用2步浮动集水区方法的经典版本和增强版本来测量卫生服务的空间可访问性。
方法:我们的每个工具都包含了距离缓冲区和旅行时间集水区,以根据用户的选择计算可访问性得分。此外,我们开发了一个单独的工具来创建与本地可用网络数据集和ArcGISOnline数据源兼容的旅行时间集水区。我们使用4个版本的可访问性工具进行了案例研究,重点研究了田纳西州血液透析服务的可访问性。值得注意的是,目标人群的计算将年龄视为影响血液透析服务可及性的重要非空间因素。使用不同年龄组的终末期肾病发病率计算加权人群。
结果:已实现的工具可通过ArcGISOnline访问,供研究社区免费使用。案例研究显示,血液透析服务的可及性存在差异,与农村和郊区相比,城市地区的得分更高。
结论:这些地理处理工具可以作为卫生保健提供者的宝贵决策支持资源,组织,和政策制定者改善公平获得医疗保健服务的机会。这种衡量空间可达性的综合方法可以使医疗保健利益相关者有效应对医疗保健分配挑战。