ArticleIsrael journal of health policy research2025
Optimizing nation-wide locations of dialysis centers: a geographic information system-based approach to improve healthcare accessibility and availability.
Article in Israel journal of health policy research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Where, when, and how to close dialysis access gaps: incorporation of geographic information system into data-driven planning : A commentary.Israel journal of health policy research · 2025Article
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7 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundAccessibility and availability are critical components of quality healthcare, particularly for dialysis patients requiring tri-weekly treatments. Inconveniently placed or oversubscribed dialysis centers contribute to widening healthcare disparities. This study aims to enhance equity in dialysis care by utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to optimize facility placement through data-driven decision-making.
methodsThis cross-sectional study analyzed national data from 5,961 hemodialysis patients across 76 dialysis centers in Israel. Geographic accessibility was assessed using GIS to measure travel distances between patients' residences and their treating dialysis centers. For utilization rate, active hemodialysis patient count was compared to estimated maximum capacity for each center. Statistical comparisons across districts were conducted using chi-square, ANOVA, or Kruskal-Wallis tests, with Bonferroni corrections. Findings were visualized using ArcGIS software.
resultsThe median travel distance to dialysis centers varied significantly by district (p < 0.001), with the longest distance in the North district (10.9 km) and the shortest in the South district (3.4 km). The mean utilization rate was 73.3%, with the highest in the North district (82.5%) and the lowest in the Jerusalem district (64.3%). No significant differences in utilization rates were found between districts (p = 0.38.
conclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first study to apply GIS to national patient-based data for assessing dialysis center accessibility and utilization. Our findings demonstrate how GIS integration with national registries can inform equitable healthcare planning and facility allocation. This approach offers policymakers a scalable, technology-driven strategy to optimize resource distribution, correct healthcare inequities, and improve accessibility for dialysis patients.
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