Spatial Analysis and Trend of Private Clinics in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the spatial distribution patterns and temporal trends of outpatient medical facilities in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. A descriptive cross-sectional study combined with time series analysis was conducted using secondary data from medical facility registries between 2015-2024. The study population comprised all 651 outpatient medical facilities across 23 districts. Data were analyzed using Global Moran's I, Kernel Density Estimation, Getis-Ord Gi*, Spatial Regression Models, and Network Analysis techniques.

The results revealed a total of 651 medical facilities, comprising 204 nursing clinics (31.34%), 150 specialized medical clinics (23.04%), and 134 general medical clinics (20.58%). Spatial analysis demonstrated statistically significant clustering patterns (Moran's I = 0.3097, p < 0.001), with Mueang District having the highest density of 245 facilities (37.60%). Thirty-eight hot spots were identified, predominantly clustered in Mueang District (65.79%). Population density showed a statistically significant positive correlation with facility distribution (R² = 0.8514, p < 0.001). Distance analysis revealed that 36.7% of facilities were within a 15-minute radius from the Provincial Health Office, while 38.9% required more than 60 minutes of travel time. Growth trends over the 10-year period showed an increase from 473 to 651 facilities, representing an average annual growth rate of 3.67%, with specialized medical clinics exhibiting the highest growth rate of 7.82% per year. The findings can serve as baseline data for improving regulatory supervision mechanisms and policy formulation for private healthcare system management at the provincial level.