The general practice contract scheme: was it targeted?
OBJECTIVE
to determine whether the contracted general practices were situated in areas of greatest health need.


METHODS
the health and equity index was used to determine the level of health need of the geographical location of the contracted practices.


RESULTS
the health and equity index for the urban contracted practices showed a high level of health need. In the rural practices, the census area unit in which the practices were located showed a high level of health need, however when surrounding census area units were considered, they were located in areas of average health need.


CONCLUSIONS
the general practice contract scheme was well targeted.
Matheson
D P
DP
Department of Community Health, Wellington School of Medicine.
Hoskins
R S
RS
D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D009520:New Zealand; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D011365:Professional Practice Location / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012424:Rural Population; D014505:Urban Population