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Quantitative Evaluation of Difficulty in Visiting Hospitals for Elderly Patients in Depopulated Area in Japan: Using National Health Insurance Data

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  • Yuma Morisaki

    (Faculty of Transdisciplinary Sciences for Innovation, Institute of Transdisciplinary Sciences for Innovation, Kanazawa University, Kakumamachi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan)

  • Makoto Fujiu

    (Faculty of Transdisciplinary Sciences for Innovation, Institute of Transdisciplinary Sciences for Innovation, Kanazawa University, Kakumamachi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan)

  • Junichi Takayama

    (Graduate School of Sustainable Systems Science, Komatsu University, 4cyome, Komatsu 923-8511, Japan)

  • Masahiko Sagae

    (Faculty of Economics and Management, Institute of Human and Social Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakumamachi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan)

  • Kohei Hirako

    (Frontier Sciences and Social Co-Creation Initiative, Kanazawa University, Kakumamachi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan)

Abstract

Depopulation is occurring in rural areas of Japan due to the outflow of the population to urban areas, the declining birthrate, and the aging population. Within depopulated areas, there is a problem of declining accessibility to medical facilities due to the decline of the medical system and transportation infrastructure. Therefore, measuring accessibility to medical facilities in underpopulated areas is an important issue. In this study, we calculated an accessibility index (APMI) to medical facilities in underpopulated areas in Japan using geographical information such as elevation, distance to medical facilities, and distance to bus stops. Furthermore, we estimated the number of patients who are considered to have difficulty visiting hospitals by using the National Health Insurance data (KDB) owned by all local governments in Japan. Through the analysis in this study, it became clear that accessibility was extremely low in the mountainous area of Hakui, Ishikawa Prefecture, and the number of patients living there could be determined. In addition, priority areas for improving the environment for visiting the hospital were identified.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuma Morisaki & Makoto Fujiu & Junichi Takayama & Masahiko Sagae & Kohei Hirako, 2023. "Quantitative Evaluation of Difficulty in Visiting Hospitals for Elderly Patients in Depopulated Area in Japan: Using National Health Insurance Data," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-16, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:21:p:15272-:d:1267093
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Xiaofang Pan & Mei-Po Kwan & Lin Yang & Shunping Zhou & Zejun Zuo & Bo Wan, 2018. "Evaluating the Accessibility of Healthcare Facilities Using an Integrated Catchment Area Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-21, September.
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