RESUMO
BACKGROUND: A significant concern for rural patients is the cost of travel outside of their community for specialist and diagnostic care. Often, these costs are transferred to patients and their families, who also experience stress associated with traveling for care. We sought to examine the rural patient experience by (1) estimating and categorizing the various out of pocket costs associated with traveling for healthcare and (2) describing and measuring patient stress and other experiences associated with traveling to seek care, specifically in relation to household income. METHODS: We have designed and administered an online, retrospective, cross-sectional survey seeking to estimate the out-of-pocket (OOP) costs and personal experiences of rural patients associated with traveling to access health care in British Columbia. Respondents were surveyed across five categories: Distance Traveled and Transportation Costs, Accommodation Costs, Co-Traveler Costs, Lost Wages, and Patient Stress. Bivariate relationships between respondent household income and other numerical findings were investigated using one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: On average, costs for respondents were $856 and $674 for transport and accommodation, respectively. Strong relationships were found to exist between the distance traveled and total transport costs, as well as between a patient's stress and their household income. Patient perspectives obtained from this survey expressed several related issues, including the physical and psychosocial impacts of travel as well as delayed or diminished care seeking. CONCLUSIONS: These key findings highlight the existing inequities between rural and urban patient access to health care and how these inequities are exacerbated by a patient's overall travel-distance and financial status. This study can directly inform policy related efforts towards mitigating the rural-urban gap in access to health care.
Assuntos
Gastos em Saúde , População Rural , Colúmbia Britânica , Estudos Transversais , Humanos , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
PURPOSE: Mental disorders commonly affect young people but usually go unrecognized and untreated. This study aimed to investigate help-seeking behaviours, barriers to care and self-efficacy for seeking mental health care among young adults with current depression and/or suicidality in a low-income setting. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used two sub-populations: a sub-sample of those suffering from current depression and/or suicidality (n = 247) and another of those not suffering from these conditions and not suffering from any other mental condition investigated (n = 502). Help-seeking behaviours, barriers to care and self-efficacy for mental health care seeking were measured among those suffering from current depression and/or suicidality (n, %). Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for experiencing barriers to care. Self-efficacy for seeking mental health care was compared between men and women in the two sub-populations. RESULTS: Of the 247 men and women with current depression and/or suicidality, 36.0 % sought help at a health care unit and 64.0 % from trusted people in the community. Only six people received help from a mental health professional. The identified barriers were mainly related to accessibility and acceptability of health services. For the population suffering from current depression and/or suicidality, the self-efficacy scale for seeking mental health care suggested a low confidence in accessing mental health care but a high confidence in respondents' ability to successfully communicate with health care staff and to cope with consequences of seeking care. CONCLUSION: The current study clearly highlights young adults' poor access to mental health care services. To reach universal health coverage, substantial resources need to be allocated to mental health, coupled with initiatives to improve mental health literacy in the general population.
Assuntos
Transtorno Depressivo/terapia , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Serviços de Saúde Mental/estatística & dados numéricos , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Autoeficácia , Suicídio/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Transtorno Depressivo/epidemiologia , Feminino , Comportamento de Busca de Ajuda , Humanos , Masculino , Ruanda , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Lesbian and bisexual (LB) women exhibit elevated rates of a variety of behaviors (i.e., smoking, excessive caloric intake, physical inactivity, heavy alcohol consumption) that put them at risk for adverse health consequences. Furthermore, LB women experience numerous barriers to obtaining culturally competent health care. In this article we review risk behaviors and health care barriers and we discuss the role of stress as an important contributing factor in LB women's health outcomes. We suggest future research, health care delivery changes, and training improvements that will prepare social workers to effectively address the needs of their LB clients.
Assuntos
Bissexualidade/psicologia , Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Homossexualidade Feminina/psicologia , Feminino , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Disparidades em Assistência à Saúde , Humanos , Assunção de Riscos , Serviço Social , Estresse Psicológico/psicologiaRESUMO
The implementation of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) therapy in the real-world setting is hindered by logistical and financial barriers, impacting timely access to this life-saving treatment. Clinical trials have reported the time from leukapheresis to CAR T cell infusion (vein-to-vein time) but not the time from CAR T referral to infusion (decision-to-vein time). Herein, we report the barriers to CAR T therapy in a real-world setting. We evaluated the factors influencing the decision-to-vein time and explored the association with clinical outcomes in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who received CAR T therapy. We conducted a retrospective study of adult patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL who underwent consultation for CAR T cell therapy at Levine Cancer Institute and Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center and collected information regarding demographic data, referral type, insurance type, CAR T product, and survival outcomes. The effects of variables on decision-to-vein time were analyzed by Fisher's exact test for categorial variables and Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous variables. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox Proportional Hazard models. The study included 142 patients who were referred for CAR T of which 99 patients received CAR T. Median decision-to-vein time was 62 days compared to median vein-to-vein time of 32 days. Patients with private insurance took longer to obtain financial clearance compared to patients with government insurance (median 25 versus 9 days, P < .001). Of those with private insurance (n = 63), 35% needed a single-case agreement (SCA) which led to significant delay in receiving financial clearance (median 50.5 versus 19 days, P < .001) and increased decision-to-vein time (median 75 versus 55 days, P < .001) compared to those who did not need SCA. Decision-to-vein time was significantly different among various products, clinical trial being the shortest (median 47 days, n = 9) and non-conforming products being the longest (median 94.5 days, n = 6) (P< .001). Axi-cel had the shortest median decision-to-vein time at 61 days compared to 81 days with tisa-cel and 85 days with liso-cel. Although delays in receiving CAR T therapy did not impact survival, the median overall survival for patients who were referred for CAR T therapy but did not receive it, was significantly lower than those who received CAR T cell therapy (9.0 versus 21.0 months, P < .001). Decision-to-vein time is a major cause of delay in receiving CAR T therapy. SCAs lead to significant increase in decision-to-vein time leading to delays in CAR T therapy in a real-world setting. Patients who were referred for CAR T but are not able to receive it, have inferior survival compared to CAR T recipients. Our findings underscore the significance of addressing administrative hurdles, such as SCAs and insurance approvals, for timely access to CAR T therapy for patients with DLBCL.
RESUMO
Death by suicide is the second leading cause of intentional injury incurred by foreign-born workers in the United States. Hispanic/Latino farmworkers are systematically excluded from important safety net programs. Drawing on interviews with 16 individuals representing various community organizations serving rural, agriculture-dependent regions in Colorado (n=9) and Utah (n=7), we describe Hispanic/Latino farmworkers' access to the mental health safety net in the Rocky Mountain Region post/during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings inform the need for expanded safety net infrastructure and community collaborations to support farmworkers effectively now and in the case of future pandemics.
RESUMO
Objective: This novel pilot study constructs a social deprivation index (SDI) and utilizes an area deprivation index (ADI) to evaluate the link between social determinants of health and rhinology patient experiences. Methods: Adult patients undergoing outpatient care of chronic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis at a tertiary academic medical center were recruited to participate in a telephone survey assessing symptoms, social/emotional consequences of disease, and barriers to care on a 5-point Likert scale. Sociodemographic characteristics were utilized to rate SDI on an 8-point scale. ADI was obtained by area code of residence. Ordered logistic regression was used to examine associations between the SDI/ADI and perceptions of rhinology care. Results: Fifty patients were included. Individuals with higher SDI scores (i.e., more socially deprived) experienced more severe nasal congestion (p = .007). Furthermore, higher national ADI correlated with increased severity of smell changes (p = .050) and facial pressure (p = .067). No association was seen between either deprivation index and global/psychiatric symptoms. While no correlations were found between higher SDI and difficulties with the costs of prescriptions, rhinologist's visits, or saline, higher SDI was correlated with decreased difficulty with surgery costs (p = .029), and individuals with higher national ADI percentile had increased difficulties obtaining nasal saline (p = .029). Conclusion: Worse social deprivation is associated with difficulties obtaining saline rinses and increased severity of nasal/sinus symptoms in an urban, underserved, majority-Black population. These findings suggest social factors affect access to and quality of rhinology care in a complex and nuanced way and highlight the need for a specific SDI to further study social determinants of health in rhinology. Level of Evidence: 2c.
RESUMO
Transgender individuals experience higher risk of incarceration and chronic disease than cisgender individuals. Both transgender and previously incarcerated individuals can face barriers to accessing health care in the community. This study aims to investigate differences in health care utilization in the community between transgender and cisgender individuals who have been incarcerated. We evaluated emergency department (ED), urgent care, and primary care visit data for individuals incarcerated in Santa Clara County jails over a 3-year period. Among the study population, 0.57% were identified as transgender. Transgender individuals utilized all health care services at higher rates than their cisgender counterparts, including ED visits (50.2% vs. 30.7%, respectively). Of transgender individuals, 28.9% accessed locations that offer gender-affirming primary care and accessed these locations more frequently than cisgender individuals.
Assuntos
Prisioneiros , Pessoas Transgênero , Humanos , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Prisões LocaisRESUMO
Purpose: The paper intends to do a scoping review of people with intellectual disabilities in emergency care where this group seems to face access barriers and discrimination. It analyses the conceptual and methodological framework for studies examining the former. Methods: A scoping review is conducted. The studies' quality is assessed via a checklist developed by the authors drawing on a compilation of common assessment tools for study quality. Results: Fourteen quantitative studies fulfil the inclusion criteria for further analysis. Summary measures are extracted. Results are synthesized with Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Service Use. Studies employ a combination of variables attributable to different aspects of population characteristics and health behavior. Conclusion: Most studies seek to quantify or predict emergency care overuse by people with intellectual disabilities. Future studies should also take patients' poor health or treatment outcomes and their perspectives into account.
RESUMO
On 7 January 2020, the southern region of Puerto Rico was struck by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake, followed by continual seismic activity. Our team performed secondary analyses to explore the relationship between exposure to seismic activity, protection (support) received, and barriers to health care access for cancer patients. Methods: The research team collected data from the database of a longitudinal case-control cohort parent study concerning the impact of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rican cancer patients. The participants from the parent study were recruited in community clinics. The extracted data was collected from 51 cancer patients who completed the parent study's interviews from January−July 2020 (seismic activity period). Barriers to health care were assessed using the Barrier to Care Questionaries (BCQ), which is composed of five subscales: skills, marginalization, knowledge and beliefs expectations, and pragmatics. Exposure to seismic activity and protection was assessed using their respective subscales from the Scale of Psychosocial Impact of Disasters. Results: The results showed a significant relationship between exposure to seismic activity and barriers to health care (p < 0.001) and its five subscales (p < 0.01). These results shed light on potential access to care barriers that could hinder cancer patient treatment in the event of a natural disaster.
Assuntos
Tempestades Ciclônicas , Neoplasias , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Hispânico ou Latino , Humanos , Neoplasias/epidemiologia , Neoplasias/terapia , Porto RicoRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients are at high risk for late occurring radiation-related morbidity and recurrence, necessitating close long-term medical surveillance. This study identified factors associated with becoming lost to follow-up (LTFU) at a comprehensive cancer center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were drawn from survivors who received radiation for HNC at a single institution between 2001 and 2018. LTFU was defined as living patients without a clinical encounter within 2 years of the data query. RESULTS: In total, 537 patients met the inclusion criteria and 57 (10.6%) were identified as LTFU. Individual comparisons identified time since completing radiation, non-White race and being unmarried as associated with LTFU. Multiple regression identified time since treatment and being unmarried as factors associated with LTFU. A decision tree correctly sorted 89.4% using time, distance, and marital status. CONCLUSION: Time since radiation, distance to clinic, and being unmarried were factors associated with becoming LTFU.
Assuntos
Infecções por HIV , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço , Instituições de Assistência Ambulatorial , Seguimentos , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/radioterapia , Humanos , Perda de Seguimento , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Large parts of Malawi`s population lack access to health care. A high burden of disease, chronic poverty, and a growing population accelerate the need for extending and improving health care. One region that is struggling with service provision is Malawi´s rural district Phalombe. In addition to adequate resources, acceptability of service provision and productive patient-provider engagements are crucial determinants of health-seeking behaviour. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to better understand the interdependencies between acceptability, patient-provider engagement, and health-seeking behaviour in Phalombe. By targeting health care providers and community members, different perspectives were assessed and triangulated. METHODS: Following a qualitative approach, group interviews were conducted with community members of three rural villages (n = 21) in Phalombe. Semi-structured interviews (n = 2) and a group interview among management staff (n = 3) provided insight into experiences of health care providers. RESULTS: Community members perceived health care providers' behaviour as disrespectful, resulting in power gaps between patients and providers. Providers blamed community members' cultural beliefs and lack of awareness regarding health care as barriers to seek formal services. Systemic shortcomings diminished community members' trust in service provision, while increasing frustration among providers and thus impacting patient-provider engagement. Due to insufficient resources, lack of acceptability and trust in receiving adequate services, potential patients turned into non-users of health care. CONCLUSIONS: A patient-centred approach is needed that empowers communities by involving them in health care planning, in facility management, and by raising awareness towards health issues. Trainings for providers need to focus on improving communication and building trustful patient-provider interactions. Yet, without addressing systemic constraints, providers' frustration and patients' lack of trust in service provision will remain and impact their health-seeking behaviour. Thus, further budget needs to be allocated to Malawi's health care sector in order to provide resources needed.
Assuntos
Adaptação Psicológica , Serviços de Saúde , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Humanos , Malaui , Pesquisa QualitativaRESUMO
Health care providers in all settings are likely to have the opportunity to care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ) persons. It is important to understand and respect the histories and experiences of these persons and the impacts in their later years. Attention must be paid to their unique psychological, social, and medical needs-not only the challenges but also the positive aspects that help develop resilience and establish a strong, if not traditional, community of care.
Assuntos
Minorias Sexuais e de Gênero , Pessoas Transgênero , Feminino , Pessoal de Saúde , Humanos , Comportamento SexualRESUMO
In the post-communist countries, limited access to treatment, lack of financial protection mechanisms, lack of information and low quality of health care frequently imposes an enormous burden on family's well-being when cancer is diagnosed. While many studies have explored barriers to cancer treatment, little attention is paid to the question how patients and their caregivers cope with cancer. In this paper, we systematically review the evidence on patients' coping strategies with cancer in post-communist countries. We performed a literature search in PubMed, JSTOR, Web of Science and EBSCO (CINAHL) to identify papers that describe patients' coping strategies because of organizational and financial barriers to cancer treatment. Papers published between January 1991 and January 2020 were included if they described individual experiences of patients at any stage of cancer treatment. We applied the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Literature Review as a guide for our review. In total, 28 publications from post-communist countries were included in this review. They presented evidence on coping strategies and barriers faced by patients when coping with poor access to cancer treatment, lack of finances, lack of information and low quality of health care services. Most sought coping strategies included using personal finances to pay for medical services, medicines and supplies, charitable contributions to the hospital and informal payments; visiting a private medical doctor; using personal connections and looking for additional information. We conclude that coping strategies are similar across post-communist countries and can be seen as an indicator of the shortcomings in cancer treatment. This evidence can be used to study and/or improve access to cancer treatment and improve health care policies. Research on the prevalence and quantification of coping strategies is needed to provide evidence-informed policies for countries that face gaps in cancer treatment.
Assuntos
Adaptação Psicológica , Neoplasias , Cuidadores , Europa (Continente) , Instalações de Saúde , Pessoal de Saúde , Humanos , Neoplasias/terapiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Geography may influence the operative decision-making in breast cancer treatment. This study evaluates the relationship between distance to treating facility and the initial breast cancer surgery selected, identifying the characteristics of women who travel for surgery. METHODS: Utilizing Florida state inpatient and ambulatory surgery databases, we identified female breast cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment from January 1 to December 31, 2013. Patients were subgrouped by distance to treatment facility. The primary outcome was the initial surgical treatment choice. Regression models were used to identify factors associated with greater distance to initial treatment. RESULTS: The final sample included 12 786 patients who underwent lumpectomy, mastectomy alone, or mastectomy with reconstruction. Compared to women who traveled < 4.0 miles, women who traveled > 14.0 miles were younger (P < .001), more often identified as white with private insurance (P < .001) and were less likely to have three or more medical comorbidities (P < .001). With increased travel to treatment, the frequency of lumpectomy decreased (P < .001), while the frequency of mastectomy with reconstruction increased (P < .001). Increasing age in years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = .98 [95% CI = .98-.99]) and identifying as nonwhite with private (AOR = .70 [.61-.80]) or public insurance (AOR = .64 [.56-.73]) was associated with less frequently travelling for initial breast cancer surgery. DISCUSSION: The relationship between the initial surgical treatment for breast cancer and the distance traveled for care highlights a disparity between those who can and cannot travel for treatment.
Assuntos
Neoplasias da Mama/psicologia , Neoplasias da Mama/cirurgia , Tomada de Decisões , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Viagem , Idoso , Feminino , Florida , Humanos , Seguro Saúde , Mamoplastia , Mastectomia , Mastectomia Segmentar , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
Introduction: Adults Born Very Preterm (ABP) are an underperceived but steadily increasing patient population. It has been shown that they face multiple physical, mental and emotional health problems as they age. Very little is known about their specific health care needs beyond childhood and adolescence. This article focuses on their personal perspectives: it explores how they feel embedded in established health care structures and points to health care-related barriers they face. Methods: We conducted 20 individual in-depth interviews with adults born preterm aged 20-54 years with a gestational age (GA) below 33 weeks at birth and birth weights ranging from 870-1,950 g. Qualitative content analysis of the narrative interview data was conducted to identify themes related to self-perceived health, health care satisfaction, and social well-being. Results: The majority (85%) of the study participants reported that their former prematurity is still of concern in their everyday lives as adults. The prevalence of self-reported physical (65%) and mental (45%) long-term sequelae of prematurity was high. Most participants expressed dissatisfaction with health care services regarding their former prematurity. Lack of consideration for their prematurity status by adult health care providers and the invisibility of the often subtle impairments they face were named as main barriers to receiving adequate health care. Age and burden of disease were important factors influencing participants' perception of their own health and their health care satisfaction. All participants expressed great interest in the provision of specialized, custom-tailored health-care services, taking the individual history of prematurity into account. Discussion: Adults born preterm are a patient population underperceived by the health care system. Longterm effects of very preterm birth, affecting various domains of life, may become a substantial burden of disease in a subgroup of formerly preterm individuals and should therefore be taken into consideration by adult health care providers.
Assuntos
Doenças do Prematuro , Nascimento Prematuro , Adolescente , Adulto , Atenção à Saúde , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Lactente Extremamente Prematuro , Recém-Nascido de Baixo Peso , Recém-Nascido , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Gravidez , Nascimento Prematuro/epidemiologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Previous research suggests that individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) may experience challenges accessing quality health care. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: This study explored parent perceptions of access and quality of health care services for children with fragile X syndrome (FXS), the leading hereditary cause of intellectual/developmental disabilities. METHODS: Nearly 600 primary caregivers of at least one child with FXS completed an online survey on access, barriers, and quality of health care for their family member with FXS (Nâ¯=â¯731). RESULTS: In a convenience sample of well-educated and affluent caregivers, the majority did not report experiencing difficulties with access to services. Caregivers of younger children and those with lower family incomes reported greater challenges with health care access. Nearly 40% of caregivers indicated that their child's PCP was not as knowledgeable about FXS-related needs as they would prefer, indicating a possible knowledge gap on the part of providers. CONCLUSIONS: These factors represent potential barriers to quality health care for individuals with FXS, with potential lifelong effects ranging from delayed age of diagnosis to difficulty accessing a PCP in adulthood.
Assuntos
Cuidadores , Deficiências do Desenvolvimento , Pessoas com Deficiência , Síndrome do Cromossomo X Frágil , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Pais , Qualidade da Assistência à Saúde , Adolescente , Adulto , Atitude , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Competência Clínica , Família , Feminino , Pessoal de Saúde , Humanos , Deficiência Intelectual , Masculino , Atenção Primária à Saúde , Classe Social , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto JovemRESUMO
PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to examine barriers to accessing and utilizing routine preventive health-care checkups for Vermont young adults. METHODS: A population-based analysis was conducted using aggregated data from the 2011-2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys of Vermont young adults aged 18-25 years (N = 1,329). Predictors analyzed as barriers were classified county of residence, health-care coverage, and annual household income level, as well as covariates, with the outcome of the length of time since the last routine checkup. RESULTS: A total of 81.1% of Vermont young adults reported having a routine checkup in the past 2 years. Health-care coverage was a predictor of undergoing routine checkups within the past 2 years, with 85.2% of insured respondents undergoing checkups compared with 56.3% of uninsured respondents (p < .001). Additionally, 81.9% of respondents from Vermont counties classified as mostly rural reported undergoing a checkup within the past 2 years (p < .05). A total of 80.8% of respondents from the middle level (p < .05) and 89.0% of respondents from the highest level (p < .001) of annual household incomes reported undergoing a checkup in the past 2 years. Finally, age (p < .001) and sex (p < .01) were shown to indicate receipt of routine preventive checkups more often. CONCLUSIONS: For Vermont young adults, health-care coverage, classified county of residence, and household income level were shown to be indicators of undergoing routine preventive health care more often. Further investigation is needed to examine how these barriers may impede preventive screenings, thereby contributing to the ongoing development of health-care guidelines and policies for young adults in rural settings.
Assuntos
Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Cobertura do Seguro/estatística & dados numéricos , Exame Físico/estatística & dados numéricos , Serviços Preventivos de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Adolescente , Adulto , Distribuição por Idade , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Vigilância da População , Distribuição por Sexo , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Vermont/epidemiologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are prevalent among people who inject heroin (PWIH). Delays in seeking health care lead to increased costs and potential mortality, yet the barriers to accessing care among PWIHs are poorly understood. METHODS: We administered a quantitative survey (Nâ¯=â¯145) and conducted qualitative interviews (Nâ¯=â¯12) with PWIH seeking syringe exchange services in two U.S. cities. RESULTS: 66% of participants had experienced at least one SSTI. 38% reported waiting two weeks or more to seek care, and 57% reported leaving the hospital against medical advice. 54% reported undergoing a drainage procedure performed by a non-medical professional, and 32% reported taking antibiotics that were not prescribed to them. Two of the most common reasons for these behaviors were fear of withdrawal symptoms and inadequate pain control, and these reasons emerged as prominent themes in the qualitative findings. These issues are often predicated on previous negative experiences and exacerbated by stigma and an asymmetrical power dynamic with providers, resulting in perceived barriers to seeking and completing care for SSTIs. CONCLUSIONS: For PWIH, unaddressed pain and withdrawal symptoms contribute to profoundly negative health care experiences, which then generate motivation for delaying care SSTI seeking and for discharge against medical advice. Health care providers and hospitals should develop policies to improve pain control, manage opioid withdrawal, minimize prejudice and stigma, and optimize communication with PWIH. These barriers should also be addressed by providing medical care in accessible and acceptable venues, such as safe injection facilities, street outreach, and other harm reduction venues.
Assuntos
Heroína , Dor/psicologia , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde/psicologia , Infecções dos Tecidos Moles/psicologia , Abuso de Substâncias por Via Intravenosa/psicologia , Síndrome de Abstinência a Substâncias/psicologia , Abscesso/epidemiologia , Abscesso/psicologia , Abscesso/terapia , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Dor/epidemiologia , Manejo da Dor/métodos , Preconceito/psicologia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Estigma Social , Infecções dos Tecidos Moles/epidemiologia , Infecções dos Tecidos Moles/terapia , Abuso de Substâncias por Via Intravenosa/epidemiologia , Abuso de Substâncias por Via Intravenosa/terapia , Síndrome de Abstinência a Substâncias/epidemiologia , Síndrome de Abstinência a Substâncias/terapiaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Community health clinics/centers (CHCs) comprise the US's core health-safety net and provide primary care to anyone who walks through their doors. However, access to specialty care for CHC patients is a big challenge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive qualitative study, semistructured interviews of 37 referral coordinators of CHCs were used to describe their perspectives on processes and barriers to patients' access to specialty care. Analysis of data was done using content analysis. RESULTS: The process of coordinating care referrals for CHC patients is complex and begins with a provider's order for consultation and ends when the referring provider receives the specialist's note. Poverty, specialist and referral coordinator shortages, lack of insurance, insurance acceptability by providers, transport and clinic-location factors, lack of clinic-hospital affiliations, and poor communication between primary and specialty providers constitute critical barriers to specialty-care access for patients. CONCLUSION: Understanding the complexities of specialty-care coordination processes and access helps determine the need for comprehensive and uninterrupted access to quality health care for vulnerable populations. Guaranteed access to primary care at CHCs has not translated into improved access to specialty care. It is critical that effective policies be pursued to address the barriers and minimize interruptions in care, and to ensure continuity of care for all patients needing specialty care.
RESUMO
Studies have indicated that US physicians may not consider Chagas disease when diagnosing immigrant patients from Chagas-endemic areas. The purpose of this study was to evaluate physician knowledge of Chagas disease in six Appalachian Ohio counties. Physician knowledge was assessed by self-administrated survey (n = 105). Over 80 % of physicians reported that their current knowledge of Chagas disease was limited or very limited, and 50 % reported never considering Chagas disease diagnosis for their at-risk patients. Nearly 70 % of physicians were unaware of the percentage of chronic Chagas patients that develop clinical disease, and 36 % could not correctly identify the disease course. In addition, over 30 % of physicians reported that no services were available within their practice to assist Spanish-speaking patients with limited English proficiency. A lack of physician awareness of Chagas disease, coupled with a lack of translation services, may create a barrier to care by decreasing the likelihood of identification of patients at risk for Chagas disease. The results of this study support the need for interventions to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of Chagas disease in Hispanic immigrants in rural Appalachian Ohio.