MEDICO-GEOGRAPHICAL RESEARCH AND THE USE OF GEOINFORMATION SYSTEMS AS A FACTOR IN REDUCING INEQUALITY IN THE AVAILABILITY OF MEDICAL CARE

ANANCHENKOVA P.I.

Key words:

MEDICAL GEOGRAPHY, MEDICAL-GEOGRAPHICAL RESEARCH, INEQUALITY, ACCESSIBILITY, MEDICAL SERVICE, MEDICAL CARE, SPATIAL PLACEMENT

Abstract:

The conceptual and methodological history of geography and healthcare is extensive. Medical geographers focus on integrating the characteristics of public health, healthcare, and geography, bringing together these diverse areas. The interdisciplinary emphasis on the geography of health and diseases is evident, as sociologists and social epidemiologists, for instance, examine individuals within the context of ecology, involving specialists in health geography in their studies. Through such collaborative studies, medical science and health organization practice gain evidence to comprehend the direct impact of people's place of residence on their health. This interdisciplinary work necessitates shared conceptualizations and methodologies.