Korean J Prev Med.  1993 Dec;26(4):661-671.

Geographical distribution of physician manpower by specialty and care level

• Yu SH
• Jung SH
• Cheon BY
• Shn TY
• Oh HJ

Abstract

In order to compare the geographical distribution of physician by level of medical care and specialty, a log linear model was applied to the annual registration data of the Korean Medical Association as of the end of December, 1991 which was supplemented from related institutions and adjusted with relevant sources. Those physicians in primary and secondary care institutions were not statistically significantly unevenly distributed by province-level catchment area. There were some differences in physician distribution among big cities, medium and small-sized cities, and counties; however, those physicians for primary care level were equitably distributed between cities and counties. Specialties for secondary care physicians were less evenly distributed in county areas than in city areas, and generalists are distributed more evenly in cities and counties than in big cities. There is a certain limitation due to underregistration in the annual physician registration to the Korean Medical Association; however, the geographical distribution of physicians has been improved quantitatively. It is strongly suggested that specialties and the level of medical care should be considered for further physician manpower studies.

Keyword

physician manpower; geographical distribution of physicians; equity for medical care; physician manpower by specialty

MeSH Terms

Linear Models
Primary Health Care
Secondary Care