CT imaging is a common reason rural patients are transferred to urban hospitals, yet access remains highly uneven across New Zealand. As part of a Summer Studentship, University of Otago medical student Hannah Dawson worked with rural health researchers to map the extent of rural-urban disparities in CT access and explore how strategically locating scanners in rural hospitals could bring timely diagnostics closer to home for thousands of rural whānau. A fantastic student research project, with some very cool maps to explore.

OPEN ACCESS here

Abstract

Introduction: Computed tomography (CT) is available to few rural communities in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). Obtaining CT imaging is a common reason rural patients are transferred to urban hospitals.

Aim: This study aimed to quantify rural–urban differences in spatial access to CT in the Southern and Te Manawa Taki regions of NZ and examine the impact of a theoretical investment in rural CT scanners.

Methods: The resident population of each region was estimated using 2023 census data. The population living within a 60 min drive to a CT scanner was estimated using a drive time matrix. Subgroup analyses were performed by rurality, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Investment scenarios placed CT scanners in selected rural hospitals, and the impact on population-level access was measured.

Results: In both regions, 100% of urban residents (U1 and U2) lived within 60 min of a CT scanner; however, only 25.8 and 1.2% of residents in the most rural (R3) areas of Southern and Te Manawa Taki respectively were within this range. Theoretical investment in CT scanners in rural hospitals may extend timely access to an additional 9465 to 17,784 rural people per scanner.

Discussion: In both regions, rural populations, as well as Māori and those living in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation in Te Manawa Taki, faced inequitable access to CT services. Investment in rural CT scanners may substantially reduce rural–urban disparities in CT accessibility and aligns with NZ’s Rural Health Strategy of providing care ‘closer to home.’