Improving spatial equity-oriented location-allocation models of urban medical facilities

Rational configuration and spatial equity of urban medical facilities is an important topic in geography. The Maximal Accessibility Equality (MAE) model is an important progress in the field of spatial equity- oriented location- allocation models. However, existing studies have paid less attention to the spatial equity measures in MAE models. Aiming to fill this research gap, this study attempts to clarify the meaning of spatial equity of medical accessibility. Based on a review of existing studies, 10 spatial equity measures are selected for investigation in this study. The MAE mode is extended by incorporating these measures. Using medical facilities in Shenzhen as a case study, these improved models are applied, evaluated and compared. The following findings are drawn: (1) From the perspective of theoretical foundation behind the measures, the Coefficient of Variation (CV), Gini coefficient, Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) and Palma ratio are appropriate for public service spatial equity studies. (2) Based on the performance of models, the improved MAE models incorporating Variance, Standard Deviation, CV, Palma ratio, MAD and Theil index are advantageous. (3) Overall, three measures, including CV, MAD and Palma ratio, are suggested for measuring and optimizing the spatial equity of medical services. Improved MAE models adopting these three measures as objective functions can significantly improve the spatial equity of accessibility to medical services. This study contributes to the literature by improving the spatial equity-oriented location-allocation models. It can provide scientific methods for the spatial planning of public service facilities. © 2023 Science Press. All rights reserved.