Evaluating the Spatial Mismatch Hypothesis: A Comprehensive Analysis of
Access to Primary Care Physicians and Healthcare Disparities in Eastern
Quebec
Abstract
This study assess the relationship between the deficiency of medical
care accessibility in rural areas, with a particular focus on the most
susceptible and vulnerable segments of the population. The study
employed the Enhanced Two-Step Floating Catchment Area (E2SFCA)
methodology and examined its implications for the Spatial Mismatch
Theory in line with the Central Place Theory. The results indicates that
the Central Place Theory appears more suitable for elucidating access
levels and that the provision and accessibility of primary care services
remain inextricably intertwined with, and dependent upon, the existence
of sufficient road infrastructure. As such, individuals residing at
substantial distances from the primary road network may experience
severely compromised access to such services. This study contributes to
our understanding of the challenges facing rural populations in
accessing essential medical care and highlights the need for further
research and policy interventions to address these issues.