Recent research from the University of Surrey has revealed that closing underperforming hospitals may have unintended negative consequences, especially in rural areas. While the idea behind these closures often revolves around improving the quality of care, the study indicates that such actions can worsen health disparities, particularly for patients who already face long travel distances to receive treatment.
Published in the journal Regional Science and Urban Economics, the study specifically looked at patients undergoing elective hip replacement surgeries in England. It found that the adverse effects of closing hospitals weigh much heavier on rural patients compared to those in urban settings. The research suggests that patients who would have relied on the now-closed hospitals could face travel burdens similar to going an extra 10.25 kilometers just to receive treatment.
The findings highlight some troubling trends. In urban areas, patients generally travel shorter distances for care due to the greater number of available hospitals. On average, urban patients traveled around 17.4 kilometers for treatment. However, if hospitals in rural regions were to close, this distance would significantly increase, which is concerning as rural patients have fewer healthcare alternatives. The study implies that hospital closures in these areas could deepen the existing healthcare access divide between urban and rural populations.
Dr. Giuseppe Moscelli, Associate Professor of Economics and a co-author of the study, pointed out the often-overlooked consequences of hospital closures. “While it’s important to improve hospital quality, we must ensure that accessibility is not sacrificed for those who require it the most,” he stated.
The research team examined patients’ hospital choices for elective hip surgeries to model the impact of closing eight identified low-quality hospitals. These hospitals were evaluated based on various health indicators, such as emergency readmission rates and patient satisfaction measured by the Oxford Hip Score. By analyzing patient decisions and calculating the shifts in travel distances, care quality, and overall patient welfare, the researchers estimated the potential fallout from these closures.
The team advocates for a more thoughtful approach to hospital management and closure decisions. Rather than shutting down facilities solely based on performance, they urge regulators to take into account the wider effects on patient accessibility and equity.
Dr. Moscelli emphasized, “It’s essential to maintain a network of hospitals in both urban and rural areas that meet quality standards while ensuring they remain accessible to local populations.”
With the government’s recent decision to reinstigate league tables for NHS hospital providers in England, the discussion around balancing quality standards with patient access in different geographical areas becomes increasingly important.
