Evidence map›Paper›PMID 25187197›Full record

ArticleBMC health services research2014

Factors associated with the utilization of primary care emergency centers in a Spanish region with high population dispersion: a mixed-methods study.

Belén Sanz-Barbero, Laura Otero-García, Teresa Blasco-Hernández, Miguel San Sebastián

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC health services research, 2014. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

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PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Belén Sanz-BarberoNational School of Public Health, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain. bsanz@isciii.es.
Laura Otero-García
Teresa Blasco-Hernández
Miguel San Sebastián

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundAdequate access to primary care emergency centers is particularly important in rural areas isolated from urban centers. However, variability in utilization of emergency services located in primary care centers among inhabitants of nearby geographical areas is understudied. The objectives of this study are twofold: 1) to analyze the association between the availability of municipal emergency care centers and utilization of primary care emergency centers (PCEC), in a Spanish region with high population dispersion; and 2) to determine healthcare providers' perceptions regarding PCEC utilization.

methodsA mixed-methods study was conducted. Quantitative phase: multilevel logistic regression modeling using merged data from the 2003 Regional Health Survey of Castile and Leon and the 2001 census data (Spain). Qualitative phase:14 in-depth- interviews of rural-based PCEC providers.

resultsHaving PCEC as the only emergency center in the municipality was directly associated with its utilization (p < 0.001). Healthcare providers perceived that distance to hospital increased PCEC utilization, and distance to PCEC decrease its use. PCEC users were considered to be predominantly workers and students with scheduling conflicts with rural primary care opening hours.

conclusionsThe location of emergency care centers is associated with PCEC utilization. Increasing access to primary care by extending hours may be an important step toward optimal PCEC utilization. Further research would determine whether lower PCEC use by certain groups is associated with disparities in access to care.

Indexed as

AdolescentAdultAgedEmergency Medical ServicesFemaleHealth PersonnelHumansLogistic ModelsMaleMiddle AgedPrimary Health CareQualitative ResearchRural Health ServicesSpainYoung Adult

Identifiers

PMID25187197
PMCPMC4162916

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