scholarly journals Perceptions of Health Care Use in Germany during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (24) ◽  
pp. 9351
Author(s):  
André Hajek ◽  
Freia De Bock ◽  
Lothar H. Wieler ◽  
Philipp Sprengholz ◽  
Benedikt Kretzler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Access To Healthcare ◽  
Health Care Use ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Perceived Access

This paper examined the determinants of perceived access to health care use during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany using data from two waves (8 and 16) of the COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring (COSMO). Descriptive and regression analysis were used. In wave 8, we found that about 60% of the individuals rather disagreed about having had problems accessing medical care. Furthermore, 73% of the individuals rather disagreed to having experienced health deteriorations due to restrictions on the availability of medical care. Moreover, 85% of the individuals were rather optimistic about future access to healthcare services. Overall, slightly better past and future access to healthcare services has been reported in wave 16. Several determinants were identified in regression analysis. In conclusion, data suggest that perceived past and future access to healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic is reasonably good.

scholarly journals Perceived Access to Health Care Services and Relevance of Telemedicine during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7661
Author(s):  
Lukas Reitzle ◽  
Christian Schmidt ◽  
Francesca Färber ◽  
Lena Huebl ◽  
Lothar Heinz Wieler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
General Practitioner ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Perceived Access ◽  
The Impact

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, non-pharmaceutical interventions were imposed to contain the spread of the virus. Based on cross-sectional waves in March, July and December 2020 of the COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring (COSMO), the present study investigated the impact of the introduced measures on the perceived access to health care. Additionally, for the wave in December, treatment occasion as well as utilization and satisfaction regarding telemedicine were analysed. For 18–74-year-old participants requiring medical care, descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed. During the less strict second lockdown in December, participants reported more frequently ensured access to health care (91.2%) compared to the first lockdown in March (86.8%), but less frequently compared to July (94.2%) during a period with only mild restrictions. In December, main treatment occasions of required medical appointments were check-up visits at the general practitioner (55.2%) and dentist (36.2%), followed by acute treatments at the general practitioner (25.6%) and dentist (19.0%), treatments at the physio-, ergo- or speech therapist (13.1%), psychotherapist (11.9%), and scheduled hospital admissions or surgeries (10.0%). Of the participants, 20.0% indicated utilization of telemedical (15.4% telephone, 7.6% video) consultations. Of them, 43.7% were satisfied with the service. In conclusion, for the majority of participants, access to medical care was ensured during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, access slightly decreased during phases of lockdown. Telemedicine complemented the access to medical appointments.

THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUAL ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE FOR PRISONERS WITH HEPATITIS – AN OUTLINE OF THE ISSUE

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (XVIII) ◽  
pp. 201-218
Author(s):  
Magdalena Sobas
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Human Dignity ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Access To Healthcare ◽  
Equal Access ◽  
Right To Life ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
The Right

This text addresses topics related to access to healthcare services for prisoners with hepatitis C. It is an attempt to consider the constitutional principles of human dignity, the right to life, health protection and equal access to healthcare services. Following article defines the possibility of the actual implementation of these principles in relation to prisoners with hepatitis C. The text also indicates the main causes of decreased accessibility to the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C patients.

scholarly journals Access to healthcare and self-rated health among refugees in transit and after arrival in Norway

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Haj-Younes ◽  
E Strømme ◽  
W Hasha ◽  
J Igland ◽  
E Abildsnes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Host Country ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Minority Group ◽  
Access To Healthcare ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Perceived Access ◽  
In Transit

Abstract Background Lack of basic infrastructure and poor provision of health services in conflict settings and during flight can have a negative impact on health. The overall health status of refugees seems to improve after arrival at a safe destination. This may be related to a safer environment and better access to health care services, but prior studies on this topic are limited. This study aims to assess self-perceived access to healthcare and its relationship with self-rated health (SRH) among refugees in transit and when settled in a host country. Methods We used data from the CHART study (Changing Health and health care needs Along the Syrian Refugees' Trajectories to Norway), which includes a cohort of 353 Syrian refugees who were contacted in 2017-2018 in Lebanon while waiting for relocation, and one year after their arrival to Norway. Information on self-perceived access to healthcare and its association with SRH was analyzed separately at each time-point. Data analysis was performed with STATA using logistic regression adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity and years of education and presented as adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% CI. Results Fifteen percent reported good access to healthcare and 62% reported good SRH in Lebanon vs. 91% and 77% respectively, in Norway. Measures in Lebanon showed no association between access to healthcare and good SRH (AOR: 1.2 (0.6-2.2)), and men reported worse access to healthcare than women (AOR: 0.5 (0.3-1.0). In Norway, access to healthcare was strongly associated with good SRH (AOR: 4.7 (2.1-10.7) and was negatively associated with belonging to one specific minority group (AOR: 0.1 (0.0-0.3)). Conclusions Both SRH and perceived access to care improved from being in transit to being settled in Norway, the latter substantially more. There was a significant association between access to healthcare and good SRH after the refugees' arrival to a safe host country but not in transit. Key messages Refugee’s self-reported health and access to healthcare seem to improve shortly after arrival to a host country. To ensure that the UN’S Sustainable Development Goals concerning health equity are reached, refugees’ access to healthcare in transit and its impact on overall health needs to be addressed.

scholarly journals Recent Trends and Characteristics Associated with Influenza Vaccination Disparities among Texas Children

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lloyd B Potter ◽  
Corey Sparks ◽  
Bradley Pollock
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Ethnic Differences ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Immunization Coverage ◽  
White Children ◽  
Racial And Ethnic Differences ◽  
Influenza Immunization ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Using Data

Adequate immunization of children protects them common infections and may serve as an indicator of access to health care. Racial and ethnic differentials in immunization of children may suggest differentials in access to health care. This research describes racial and ethnic differences in childhood influenza immunization coverage and identifies social and economic characteristics associated with these immunization differentials in Texas.Methods: Using data from the National Immunization Survey racial and ethnic differences in seasonal influenza immunization among children is examined as related to social and economic characteristics of children in Texas over the period of 2004 to 2013.Results: Findings suggest the presence of expected differences in childhood seasonal influenza immunization for Hispanic and non-Hispanic black children compared to non- Hispanic white children. Education and marital status of the mother are predictors of influenza immunization as is participation in WIC.Conclusions: Implications of findings suggest the need for qualitative research to better understand barriers to immunization that differentially affect minority children in Texas. Addressing racial and ethnic immunization differentials among children may potentially result in reductions in other racial and ethnic health disparities as they age.

scholarly journals Comparing Health Care Financial Burden With an Alternative Measure of Unaffordability

2017 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 004695801773296
Author(s):  
Edward S. Kielb ◽  
Corwin N. Rhyan ◽  
James A. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Health Care Costs ◽  
Health Plan ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Care Costs

Health insurance plans with high deductibles increase exposure to health care costs, raising concerns about how the growth in these plans may be impacting both the financial burden of health care expenditures on families and their access to health care. We find that foregoing medical care is common among low-income, privately insured families, occurring at a greater rate than those with higher incomes or Medicare coverage. To better understand the relationship between out-of-pocket (OOP) spending and access, we used the 2011-2014 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data and a logistic model to analyze the likelihood of avoiding or delaying needed medical care based on health insurance design and other individual and family characteristics. We find that avoiding or delaying medical care is strongly correlated with coverage under a high-deductible health plan, and with depression, poor perceived health, or poverty. However, it is relatively independent of the percent of income spent on OOP costs, making the percent of income spent on OOP costs by itself a poor measure of health care unaffordability. Individuals who spend a small percentage of their income on health care costs may still be extremely burdened by their health plan when financial concerns prevent access to health care. This work emphasizes the importance of insurance design as a predictor of access and the need to expand the definition of financial barriers to care beyond expenditures, particularly for the low-income, privately insured population.

How accessible is the Serbian health system? Main barriers and challenges ahead

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Hernandez-Quevedo ◽  
V Bjegovic-Mikanovic ◽  
M Vasic ◽  
D Vukovic ◽  
J Jankovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health System ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Policy Issue ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Underlying Causes

Abstract Background Access to health care is a key health policy issue faced by countries in the WHO European Region and Serbia is not an exception. There is increasing concern that financial and economic crisis may have delay progress regarding the performance of the Serbian health system. While substantial development has been experienced by the Serbian health system since 2000, we analyse whether barriers to health care access exist in the country and the underlying causes. Methods We combine quantitative and qualitative methods to assess the accessibility of the Serbian health system. We use the latest data available both at national (e.g. National Health Survey) and European (EUSILC) level to understand whether barriers to access exist and the underlying causes. On the qualitative side, we analyse the different policies implemented by the Serbian government to improve the accessibility of the health system in the last decade, identifying the challenges ahead for the country. Results We find that, in 2018, 5.8% of the Serbian population reported unmet need for medical care due to costs, travel distances or waiting lists, well above the EU28 average and much higher than in neighbouring countries. Financial constraints are reported to be the main reason for unmet needs for medical care. Long waiting times also impede the accessibility of health services in Serbia. Conclusions Serbia has a comprehensive universal health system with free access to health care, however, some vulnerable groups, such as those living in poverty or Roma people in settlements, have more barriers in accessing health care. It is expected that Serbia will continue to develop policies focused on reducing barriers to accessing health care and improving the efficiency of the health system, supported by international organisations and in the context of the EU accession negotiations. Key messages Some vulnerable groups have more barriers in accessing adequate care in Serbia. National initiatives are in place to increase access to the health system but there is scope for further work.

scholarly journals Access to Health Care for English Division Students of the Medical University of Warsaw

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (2 (176)) ◽  
pp. 107-125
Author(s):  
Maria Strzemieczna ◽  
Mikołaj Pawlak ◽  
Jacek Imiela ◽  
Magdalena Lorkowska
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Language Problems ◽  
Original Survey ◽  
Medical University

Foreigners face certain barriers in accessing medical care, though international medical students are in many aspects privileged in this field. The aim of this study is to explore whether these students are facing problems in accessing healthcare. An original survey questionnaire was prepared and distributed online and on paper among students. In total 138 questionnaires were filled out. The results were analyzed using statistical methods. The main barriers faced by students are the lack of knowledge about the healthcare system and language problems. The study shows there is a need to start working on institutional solutions to provide information about access to healthcare and to overcome language barriers in healthcare institutions. * The article is part of a research project financed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. / Pracę wykonano w ramach Projektu Badawczego, finansowanego ze środków dotacji celowej MNiSzW.

scholarly journals Impact of Language Barriers on Access to Healthcare Services by Immigrant Patients: A systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasan Rasi
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Access To Care ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Language Barriers ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Access To Healthcare ◽  
Native People ◽  
The Impact

Background: Research has demonstrated lower access to healthcare services by immigrant patients in comparison to native people. Cultural and linguistic differences have been considered as main factors that impede this access and as barriers to creating an effective relationship between immigrant patients and health professionals.  Objective: The aim of this study was to better understand and synthesize the available evidence regarding the impact of immigrant patients’ language proficiency on access to health care. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies published between January 2000 and January 2019 that examined the impact of language proficiency on access to and use of health services by immigrant patients. Only articles in English were included. Cross-referencing of the identified articles was also performed.  Results: A total of 140 publications was identified through online databases. In all 24 studies were reviewed, and the results were reported using four interrelated themes identified from the articles. These reports consistently showed a clear association between inadequate language ability and underuse of health care services, ineffective communication, and increased use of emergency care by immigrant patients. Identifying factors that can influence access to care, applying immigrant-friendly solutions such as provision of professional interpreters, and encouraging culturally and linguistically sensitive education may improve the quality of care and increase access to care. One study recommended utilisation of communication technologies such as telemedicine to bridge the communication gap and increase accessibility of healthcare services by immigrant patients.  Conclusions: All included studies indicated that language barriers hindered access to healthcare services. The data resulting from this study can update policy and practical solutions for language barriers on access to care by immigrant patients and provide an agenda for further investigations. 

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