A Systematic Literature Mapping of Service Accessibility in Healthcare: Trends, Dimensions, And Research Gaps

Abstract

Healthcare service accessibility remains a critical issue in achieving equitable and inclusive health

systems, particularly amid persistent disparities between regions and population groups. Despite

extensive research, accessibility is often examined in fragmented dimensions, limiting a

comprehensive understanding of its complexity. This study aims to systematically map the

literature on healthcare service accessibility to identify research trends, key dimensions, and

existing gaps. The study employs a Systematic Literature Mapping (SLM) approach by collecting

and analyzing peer-reviewed articles from major academic databases, followed by a structured

classification based on publication trends, geographic distribution, methodological approaches,

and accessibility dimensions. The findings reveal that research is predominantly focused on

availability and affordability, with a growing emphasis on digital health integration. However,

significant gaps remain, including the lack of multidimensional frameworks, limited studies in

developing countries, insufficient attention to patient-centered perspectives, and methodological

constraints such as the dominance of quantitative approaches. Furthermore, issues such as digital

inequality, policy implementation gaps, and sustainability are underexplored. This study

highlights the need for integrative, inclusive, and context-sensitive research to advance healthcare

accessibility.