Tuvia Horev1, Irena Pesis-Katz, Dana B Mukamel. 1. Department of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine current level and historical trends in health resources distribution in the US; to investigate the relationships between both levels and trends of inequality with--geographic location, inequality of income and rates per capita of hospital-beds and physicians. METHODS: The Gini Coefficient was used to measure variations in distribution of physicians and hospital-beds (at the county level) during three decades. RESULTS: Physician distribution has become less equitable, while hospital-beds' equity has increased. physicians' distribution exhibited a geographic trend, becoming more equitable in the West. No association was found between equality in hospital-beds' distribution and rates of hospital-beds per capita. CONCLUSIONS: Rates per capita might not be sufficient in determining availability of resources. Further research is needed to determine implications for health outcomes.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine current level and historical trends in health resources distribution in the US; to investigate the relationships between both levels and trends of inequality with--geographic location, inequality of income and rates per capita of hospital-beds and physicians. METHODS: The Gini Coefficient was used to measure variations in distribution of physicians and hospital-beds (at the county level) during three decades. RESULTS: Physician distribution has become less equitable, while hospital-beds' equity has increased. physicians' distribution exhibited a geographic trend, becoming more equitable in the West. No association was found between equality in hospital-beds' distribution and rates of hospital-beds per capita. CONCLUSIONS: Rates per capita might not be sufficient in determining availability of resources. Further research is needed to determine implications for health outcomes.
Authors: A Ameryoun; M Meskarpour-Amiri; M Lorgard Dezfuli-Nejad; Hr Khoddami-Vishteh; Sh Tofighi Journal: Iran J Public Health Date: 2011-06-30 Impact factor: 1.429