New draft guideline addresses healthcare access for people experiencing homelessness in the UK

2021 ◽  
Vol 889 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-32
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Draft Guideline ◽  
The Uk

Poverty and health: The challenges for GPs

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hina J. Shahid
Keyword(s):  
Physical Environment ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Economic Stability ◽  
The Social ◽  
Multiple Levels ◽  
The Uk

Poverty and poor health are closely linked in a complex relationship. The prevalence of poverty in the UK is growing, resulting in widening health inequalities. Poverty affects the social determinants of health on multiple levels, compromising economic stability, education, social and community contact, lifestyle and healthcare access, and the physical environment. It is associated with an increased prevalence of a range of physical and mental health disorders, with some groups particularly sensitive to the health impacts of poverty, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, refugee and asylum seekers, gypsy and travelling communities, and the homeless. GPs have an important role in identifying the health risks associated with poverty and in supporting individuals and families.

scholarly journals Access to primary health care for asylum seekers and refugees: a qualitative study of service user experiences in the UK

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (685) ◽  
pp. e537-e545 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cara Kang ◽  
Louise Tomkow ◽  
Rebecca Farrington
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Complex Needs ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Asylum Seekers And Refugees

BackgroundAsylum seekers and refugees (ASR) face difficulty accessing health care in host countries. In 2017, NHS charges for overseas visitors were extended to include some community care for refused asylum seekers. There is growing concern that this will increase access difficulties, but no recent research has documented the lived experiences of ASR accessing UK primary health care.AimTo examine ASR experiences accessing primary health care in the UK in 2018.Design and settingThis was a qualitative community-based study. ASR were recruited by criterion-based sampling through voluntary community organisations.MethodA total of 18 ASR completed face-to-face semi-structured recorded interviews discussing primary care access. Transcripts underwent thematic analysis by three researchers using Penchansky and Thomas’s modified theory of access.ResultsThe qualitative data show that participants found primary care services difficult to navigate and negotiate. Dominant themes included language barriers and inadequate interpretation services; lack of awareness of the structure and function of the NHS; difficulty meeting the costs of dental care, prescription fees, and transport to appointments; and the perception of discrimination relating to race, religion, and immigration status.ConclusionBy centralising the voices of ASR and illustrating the negative consequences of poor healthcare access, this article urges consideration of how access to primary care in the UK can be enhanced for often marginalised individuals with complex needs.

scholarly journals Correlates of Primary Healthcare Access and the Moderating Effects of Gender: A Cross Sectional Analysis of Irish Migrants

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeff Moore
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Action Research Project ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Support Employment ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Irish Migrants

AbstractDespite long established comparatively poor health outcomes there has been limited research into the healthcare access of Irish migrants in the UK. This study examines the relationship between demography, self-reported health (SRH) and social support and healthcare access and the influence of gender on these associations. Data was collected as part of a community-based action research project with Irish migrants in London (n = 790). Hierarchical logistic regression was used to predict self-reported access to a GP (compared with no reported access). The effect of gender was measured via interactions entered in the second step of the model. Older participants and males were less likely to report GP access. SRH was a significant predictor. Gender moderated the relationship between SRH, social support, employment and GP access. Findings highlight the help-seeking vulnerability of male and older Irish migrants and the potential of social support in promoting healthcare access for males.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 on self-management behaviours and healthcare access for people with inflammatory arthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Caton ◽  
Hema Chaplin ◽  
Lewis Carpenter ◽  
Melissa Sweeney ◽  
Hsiu Yen Tung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Arthritis ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Healthcare Provision ◽  
June July ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Inflammatory arthritis (IA) patients have been identified as at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19. It is likely that lockdown restrictions (enforced by the UK government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic) and subsequent changes made to healthcare provision could impact patients’ abilities to effectively manage their condition. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the impact of COVID-19 on self-management behaviours and healthcare access for people with IA. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 IA patients in June-July 2020, with nine follow-up interviews in November 2020. Interview schedules were developed with a Patient Research Partner and explored participants’ experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews were conducted via telephone and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Participants were aged between 24 and 79 years (mean = 50.1, SD = 15.8), largely female (71%) and White British (86%). Four initial themes were identified: (1) Impact of COVID-19 on medication adherence, (2) Impact of COVID-19 on physical activity, (3) Impact of COVID-19 on diet, and (4) Impact of COVID-19 on healthcare access and delivery. Subthemes focused on positive and negative changes made to these areas, as well as behaviours which remained consistent. Follow-up interviews highlighted differences in participants’ experiences during the two lockdown periods. Conclusion COVID-19 has affected patients’ abilities to manage their IA. Healthcare professionals need to recognise the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on patient self-management and healthcare access to ensure that adequate understanding and support is available to patients who may have inadequate disease control as a result.

scholarly journals A qualitative study on mental health and wellbeing of Syrian refugees in the UK

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Tattan ◽  
P Paudyal ◽  
M Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background The Syrian conflict has resulted in an estimated 5.3 million registered Syrian refugees in various parts of the world. Evidence suggests that these individuals are at considerable risk of developing common mental disorders. This study aimed to explore the mental wellbeing of Syrian refugees, identify their coping mechanisms and pathways towards integration into new communities, and formulate recommendations for better access to mental healthcare services. Methods We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth semi-structured interviews with adult refugees (>18 years old) who are currently residing in Southeast of England. Interviews were conducted in Arabic, recorded, transcribed and translated verbatim. Translated transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical Approval was obtained from the Brighton and Sussex Medical School Research Governance Ethics Committee (ER/BSMS9DAP/1). Results Twelve participants (3 females and 9 males) took part in the study; all were born in Syria and the majority (n = 9) were over 45 years of age. Participants described symptoms of reduced psychological wellbeing. Preliminary findings shows that almost all participants talked about psychological distress resulting from previous trauma, loss of and separation from family members and challenges adjusting to their host country. Barriers to accessing the healthcare system in the UK included fear of stigma, being misunderstood by healthcare staff and language issues. Communicating with loved ones, connecting with nature, practising faith and pursuing hobbies were reported as coping strategies. Conclusions For Syrian refugees in the UK, mental wellbeing embraces living with past traumatic experiences, achieving social integration and facing challenges accessing healthcare. Understanding differences between refugee and host communities is key to appropriately cater to the specific needs of each community and achieve equity in healthcare access. Key messages Syrian refugees in UK described symptoms of reduced psychological wellbeing. Understanding the needs of refugee communities is necessary to achieve equity in healthcare access.

scholarly journals Healthcare access for children and families on the move and migrants

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Murphy ◽  
Jonathan Broad ◽  
Bryony Hopkinshaw ◽  
Sarah Boutros ◽  
Neal Russell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Access ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Migrant Health ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
International Child ◽  
Trafficking Victims ◽  
Uk National Health Service ◽  
The Uk

BackgroundThe United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service (NHS) charging regulations have increasingly restricted migrants’ healthcare access, in the context of a wider national policy shift over the past few years intending to create a ‘hostile environment’ for migrants. With an estimated 144 000 undocumented children living in the UK and increasing public concern that these regulations are negatively impacting migrant health and well-being, as well as contravening international child rights agreements, it has become imperative to understand their implications.MethodsA mixed methods digital survey, covering attitudes towards and understanding of UK healthcare charging, and giving space for relevant case submission, was disseminated through communications channels of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) to their members. Quantitative data were analysed on Stata, and basic proportions were calculated for each response proportion. Qualitative data were analysed using a framework analysis approach.ResultsThere were 200 responses, from a range of healthcare professional backgrounds. The majority were not confident in interpreting and applying the charging regulations. One-third (34%) reported examples of the charging regulations impacting patient care, analysis of which elicited seven key themes. Our survey gathered 18 cases of migrants being deterred from accessing healthcare, 11 cases of healthcare being delayed or denied outright, and 12 cases of delay in accessing care leading to worse health outcomes, including two intrauterine deaths.DiscussionOur results describe a range of harms arising from the current NHS charging regulations contributing to delays in or denials of healthcare, due to patients’ fear of charging or immigration enforcement, including potential deportation, and confusion around entitlements. This harm affects individual patients, the migrant community and the NHS – often in multiple simultaneous ways. Many patients eligible for NHS care, such as trafficking victims, are not being identified as such. We found the current charging regulations to be unworkable, and that harm could not be eliminated simply through improved awareness or implementation.

scholarly journals Kidney Care during COVID-19 in the UK: Perspectives of Healthcare Professionals on Impacts on Care Quality and Staff Well-Being

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 188
Author(s):  
Archontissa Maria Kanavaki ◽  
Courtney Jane Lightfoot ◽  
Jared Palmer ◽  
Thomas James Wilkinson ◽  
Alice Caroline Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

In light of the rapid changes in healthcare delivery due to COVID-19, this study explored kidney healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) perspectives on the impact of these changes on care quality and staff well-being. Fifty-nine HCPs from eight NHS Trusts across England completed an online survey and eight took part in complementary semi-structured interviews between August 2020 and January 2021. Free-text survey responses and interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Themes described the rapid adaptations, concerns about care quality, benefits from innovations, high work pressure, anxiety and mental exhaustion in staff and the team as a well-being resource. Long-term retention and integration of changes and innovations can improve healthcare access and efficiency, but specification of conditions for its use is warranted. The impact of prolonged stress on renal HCPs also needs to be accounted for in quality planning. Results are further interpreted into a theoretical socio-technical framework.

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