Spatial inequality in access to healthcare: evidence from an Italian Alpine region

Potential access to healthcare facilities is one of the main determinants of health. This study investigates the extent of spatial inequalities in potential access to care, and the relationship between potential access and patients’ behaviour. Taking Piedmont, an Italian Alpine region, as a case study, the analysis emphasizes that potential access is not uniform within the region and lower potential access is associated with other important indicators of socioeconomic deprivation. Moreover, people living in places characterized by poor access tend to use healthcare services less often than other citizens, and to be less mobile than the rest of the population.