The role of a bus network in access to primary health care in Metropolitan Auckland, New Zealand.
Background: This study examined the spatial accessibility of the population of metropolitan Auckland, New Zealand to the bus network, to connect them to primary health providers, in this case doctors (GP) and dentists. Analysis of accessibility by ethnic identity and socio-economic status were also carried out, because of existing health inequalities along these dimensions. The underlying hypothesis was that most people would live within easy reach of primary health providers, or easy bus transport to such providers.


METHODS
An integrated geographic model of bus transport routes and stops, with population and primary health providers (medical. and dental practices) was developed and analysed.


RESULTS
Although the network of buses in metropolitan Auckland is substantial and robust it was evident that many people live more than 150 metres from a stop.


CONCLUSIONS
Improving the access to bus stops, particularly in areas of high primary health care need (doctors and dentists), would certainly be an opportunity to enhance spatial access in a growing metropolitan area.
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Rocha
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McGuire
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Whyman
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Kruger
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Tennant
D003815:Dentists / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D062305:Geographic Mapping; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand; D010820:Physicians / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011365:Professional Practice Location; D014186:Transportation; D014505:Urban Population