Volume 11 Issue 3
Evaluating Socioeconomic and Geographic Disparities in Access to General Surgery: Strategies for Improved Equity and Outcomes
1Dr Sarmud Latif Awan, 2Ali Raza, 3Mohib Ali
1Associate Professor Department of General Surgery AJK Medical College Muzaffarabad.
2PIMS, Islamabad.
3PIMS, Islamabad.
ABSTRACT
Background:Socioeconomic and geographic disparities significantly influence access to healthcare services, including general surgery. These disparities can lead to uneven health outcomes and inequities in care delivery. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving health equity and ensuring optimal outcomes for all patients.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the extent of socioeconomic and geographic disparities in access to general surgery and to identify effective strategies for improving equity and outcomes in surgical care.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted from December 2022 to December 2023, involving a study population of 120 individuals who required general surgery. Participants were selected from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and various geographic locations. Data were collected through patient surveys, medical records, and interviews with healthcare providers. Statistical analysis was performed to identify disparities in access to surgical care based on socioeconomic status and geographic location. Additionally, potential strategies for mitigating these disparities were evaluated through a review of existing literature and expert consultations.
Results: The study found significant disparities in access to general surgery based on both socioeconomic and geographic factors. Patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and rural areas faced longer wait times, reduced access to specialized surgical care, and higher rates of postoperative complications compared to their urban and higher-income counterparts. Strategies identified for improving equity included implementing telemedicine consultations, increasing funding for rural healthcare facilities, and developing targeted outreach programs to educate underserved communities about available surgical services.
Conclusion: The study highlighted critical disparities in access to general surgery due to socioeconomic and geographic factors. Addressing these disparities requires a multifaceted approach, including policy changes, increased resource allocation, and innovative healthcare delivery models. Implementing the identified strategies can lead to improved equity in surgical care and better health outcomes for disadvantaged populations.
Keywords: Socioeconomic disparities, geographic disparities, access to surgery, health equity, general surgery, rural healthcare, telemedicine, healthcare outcomes.