This research examines geographical accessibility to primary care providers (PCPs) across urban and rural areas of Southwestern Ontario and examines variations in the distribution of PCPs in relation to the senior population (aged 65 years and older). Information about PCP practices was provided by the HealthForceOntario Marketing and Recruitment Agency. Population data were obtained from the 2016 Census of Canada. To calculate scores for accessibility to PCPs (i.e., PCPs/10,000 population), we applied the enhanced 2‐step floating catchment area method with distance decay effect within a global service catchment of 30‐minute drive time. A geospatial mapping approach revealed disparities in the distribution of PCPs with a pattern of higher spatial accessibility in or around major urban areas in Southwestern Ontario. Comparative analyses were performed in association with the seniors’ population to identify how accessibility scores were mismatched with the population needs. The outcome of this study will assist researchers and health service planners to better understand the distribution of existing PCPs to address inequalities, particularly in rural areas.

中文翻译：

---

初级保健提供者的地域可及性：安大略西南地区的农村和城市地区比较

这项研究调查了西南安大略省城市和农村地区初级保健提供者（PCP）的地理可及性，并调查了PCP分布与老年人口（65岁及65岁以上）的差异。有关PCP做法的信息由HealthForceOntario市场和招聘机构提供。人口数据来自2016年加拿大人口普查。为了计算PCP的可及性得分（即PCPs / 10,000人口），我们在30分钟车程的全球服务集水区中应用了具有距离衰减效应的增强型两步浮动集水区方法。地理空间测绘方法揭示了PCP分布的差异，并且在西南安大略省的主要城市地区或周围地区具有较高的空间可及性。结合老年人口进行比较分析，以确定可及性得分与人口需求不匹配的情况。这项研究的结果将帮助研究人员和卫生服务规划者更好地了解现有五氯苯酚的分布，以解决不平等现象，特别是在农村地区。