Estimating Need, Demand and Supply in Primary Health Care Services: A Local Application in Argentina.

摘要: INTRODUCTION To provide equal access, health care provision should be distributed across geodemographic space based on need. In Argentina, the social security, publicly funded and private subsectors are responsible for delivering services. public subsector, which is providing primary secondary mainly to uninsured population, supply of services not always associated with The lack coordination between levels makes it difficult transform need into demand. OBJECTIVE Design a methodology systematically estimate need, demand data sources in order assess potential mismatches any geographical area. METHODS An ecological analysis was conducted outpatient visits Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. A mathematical approach proposed systematize collection by census tract regarding estimated (number needed, specialty, according age- sex-specific protocols area's demographics), (actual specialty each center), (visit capacity or available appointment slots, taking account number personnel hours worked, specialty). RESULTS Demand exceeded (299,731) 24% while visit (993,903) could have covered more than twice demanded (370,881). Analysis three variables grouped area found that correlated closely (ρ = 0.90) 0.68), spatial showed distribution responded Areas greater had facility relatively close by, although often located areas lower some struggle high insufficient supply. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest reconfiguration study mechanism estimating relationship among supply, useful tool support decision-making. KEYWORDS Health needs demand, access care; accessibility, quality, evaluation, inequalities, care,