The fundamental problem of rural health is the extremely low density of health professionals per unit of surface area, resulting in large distances between patient and services. To deliver services in rural areas either stationary facilities or mobile units can be used. The underdeveloped world has had considerable experience with different varieties of mobile units. From this experience, certain principles can be derived which are useful in choosing between stationary and mobile facilities for specific situations. The first consideration is the geographic-demographic layout. Second is the type of health service desired, with mobile units most applicable to periodic health services employing simple facilities, but not desirable for comprehensive care. The third factor in deciding between stationary and mobile systems is the determination of which provides more benefits per cost. Whereas mobile units are an attractive method for rural health service delivery, stationary facilities are often preferable.
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Thomas Bodenheimer (1969) studied this question.
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