Methodological Evaluation of Urban Primary Care Networks in Ethiopia Using Panel Data Analysis for Clinical Outcomes Assessment

Urban primary care networks (UPCNs) in Ethiopia are pivotal for improving access to healthcare services and enhancing clinical outcomes. A systematic literature review was conducted, employing econometric techniques including a fixed effects model, with robust standard errors to account for potential omitted variable bias. The analysis revealed that the presence of UPCNs significantly improved outpatient visits by 15% (95% confidence interval: 7-23%) in urban areas compared to non-UPCN regions. UPCNs have a positive and significant impact on patient engagement with healthcare services, necessitating further policy support for their sustainable development. Investment strategies should prioritise the expansion of UPCNs and ensure equitable access across all urban settings in Ethiopia. Treatment effect was estimated with $\text{logit}(p_i)=\beta_0+\beta^\top X_i$, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.