Effects of the sphere of influence of a service centre hospital is high near the service centre but decrease with increasing distance due to the frictional effects of the distance
Factors that contribute to the decrease in influence as distance from the service centre hospital increases include:
1. Accessibility: As distance from the service centre hospital increases, it becomes more difficult for individuals to access healthcare services. Factors such as limited transportation options or longer travel times can discourage people from seeking medical care at the service centre hospital.
2. Availability of alternatives: In areas further away from the service centre hospital, residents may have access to other healthcare facilities that are closer to them. These alternative options can reduce the reliance on the service centre hospital and limit its sphere of influence.
3. Preferences and familiarity: Patients may prefer to receive care from healthcare providers that are closer to their homes or that they are more familiar with. This can lead to a decrease in the influence of the service centre hospital as patients choose to seek care elsewhere.
4. Resource limitations: Service centre hospitals may have limited capacity to serve patients from a large geographic area. As distance from the hospital increases, the demand for services may exceed the hospital's resources, leading to a decrease in its sphere of influence.
Overall, the sphere of influence of a service centre hospital is highest in the immediate vicinity of the hospital and decreases with increasing distance due to a combination of factors related to accessibility, availability of alternatives, patient preferences, and resource limitations.