The impact of a clinic move on vulnerable patients with chronic disease: a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis.
BACKGROUND
Changing locations disrupts the populations served by primary health care clinics, and such changes may differentially affect access to care for vulnerable populations.


METHODS
Online geographic information systems mapping tools were used to define how the relocation of a family medicine center impacted access to care for black and Hispanic patients with chronic disease.


RESULTS
Maps created from practice management data revealed a distinct shift in black and Hispanic patients with chronic disease being served in the new location.


CONCLUSIONS
Geographic information systems tools are valuable aids in defining changing service areas of primary health care clinics.
Bazemore
Andrew
A
Robert Graham Center, Washington, DC, USA. ABazemore@aafp.org
Diller
Philip
P
Carrozza
Mark
M
D044383:Black People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D006274:Health Facility Moving / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006287:Health Planning Guidelines; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D009820:Ohio; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001741:Black or African American