Using geographic information systems to simulate patient access areas

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2014:205:1120-4.

Abstract

We constructed a simulation model with a geographic information system (GIS) to predict the future shortage of beds in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. With a grid square method, we calculated patient numbers for every 500 square meters of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area until 2040 and estimated whether those in need could be admitted to hospitals within an hour's drive from their homes. The simulation demonstrates that after 2025 many patients may not be able to find hospitals within this time framework. The situation will be especially serious in the center of Tokyo and along the railway lines, where many senior citizens reside. We can now apply this innovative GIS method in many fields and especially for the precise estimation of future demands for and supply of medical assistance.

MeSH terms

  • Bed Occupancy / statistics & numerical data*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Geographic Information Systems / organization & administration*
  • Geography, Medical
  • Health Planning
  • Health Services Accessibility / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Services Needs and Demand / organization & administration*
  • Hospital Bed Capacity / statistics & numerical data*
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Tokyo
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data*