The application of GIS technology to equitably distribute fieldworker workload in a large, rural South African health survey

<p>A method is presented that has numerous applications to health systems provision in developing countries where limited physical access to primary health care is a major factor contributing to the poor health of populations. An accessibility model within a geographical information system (GIS) is used to predict average inter?homestead walking times and subdivide the study area into units of equal completion time. The method could be used to ergonomically design home?based care and tuberculosis directly observed treatment programmes and inform the siting of health facilities. The paper highlights the use of GIS technology as a powerful tool in developing countries.</p>