Evidence-based analyses of hospital site selection for the aging population in Dallas, Texas

摘要

This paper discusses the feasibility of our decision framework to support hospital site selection for the aging population through a case study based in Dallas, Texas. Currently, many cities face an aging population with escalating healthcare needs, causing challenges to existing resources and planning. Cities must better plan their health care facilities (e.g., hospitals) in a sustainable manner to provide adequate services. Current experience-based decision-making process has too much variation and does not systematically take all factors into account. Our research team developed an evaluative framework and applied the framework as a case study in Dallas, using web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. Our case study demonstrates that the framework and web-based GIS tools provide a foundation for informed decisions in a structured and comprehensive way. Additional population and population health data are required for enhanced application of our framework.