Rapid assessment of access to primary care in remote parts of the developing world

Physical access to primary care is poorly understood in most remote and underserved populations, although technology exists that can quickly help bridge this information gap. To improve health care delivery in these regions, it is essential to understand the factors that enable or inhibit health care use. One key factor is that of distance from residence to health facility. Assessment of the effect distance has on health facility use provides a clearer picture of how access can be attained. This article focuses on understanding the geographic character of access to care and the expediency of data collection using global positioning system technology. It shows how to quantify geographic access for a given health facility. This procedure can be performed within a relatively short period of time with the assistance of modern technology and some knowledge of geographic techniques.