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Harfield S, Purcell T, Schioldann E, Ward J, Pearson O, Azzopardi P. Enablers and barriers to primary health care access for Indigenous adolescents: a systematic review and meta-aggregation of studies across Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and USA. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:553. [PMID: 38693527 PMCID: PMC11062015 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10796-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indigenous adolescents access primary health care services at lower rates, despite their greater health needs and experience of disadvantage. This systematic review identifies the enablers and barriers to primary health care access for Indigenous adolescents to inform service and policy improvements. METHODS We systematically searched databases for publications reporting enablers or barriers to primary health care access for Indigenous adolescents from the perspective of adolescents, their parents and health care providers, and included studies focused on Indigenous adolescents aged 10-24 years from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and United States of America. Results were analyzed against the WHO Global standards for quality health-care services for adolescents. An additional ninth standard was added which focused on cultural safety. RESULTS A total of 41 studies were included. More barriers were identified than enablers, and against the WHO Global standards most enablers and barriers related to supply factors - providers' competencies, appropriate package of services, and cultural safety. Providers who built trust, respect, and relationships; appropriate package of service; and culturally safe environments and care were enablers to care reported by adolescents, and health care providers and parents. Embarrassment, shame, or fear; a lack of culturally appropriate services; and privacy and confidentiality were common barriers identified by both adolescent and health care providers and parents. Cultural safety was identified as a key issue among Indigenous adolescents. Enablers and barriers related to cultural safety included culturally appropriate services, culturally safe environment and care, traditional and cultural practices, cultural protocols, Indigenous health care providers, cultural training for health care providers, and colonization, intergenerational trauma, and racism. Nine recommendations were identified which aim to address the enablers and barriers associated with primary health care access for Indigenous adolescents. CONCLUSION This review provides important evidence to inform how services, organizations and governments can create accessible primary health care services that specifically meet the needs of Indigenous adolescents. We identify nine recommendations for improving the accessibility of primary health care services for Indigenous adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Harfield
- UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Herston, Australia.
- Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia.
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Tara Purcell
- Global Adolescent Health Group, Maternal Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eliza Schioldann
- Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
- Global Adolescent Health Group, Maternal Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - James Ward
- UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Odette Pearson
- Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Peter Azzopardi
- Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
- Global Adolescent Health Group, Maternal Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Knisley L, Driedger SM, Hartling L, Chartrand F, Sanguins J, Scott SD. We're here too: child health information-seeking experiences and preferences of Red River Métis families - a qualitative study. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:252. [PMID: 38057802 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-02069-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Red River Métis families need access to meaningful and appropriate resources when their children are sick. At the invitation of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) to partner in this research, our aim was to understand Red River Métis parents' experiences and preferences for seeking child health information when their child is acutely ill, to inform the adaptation of existing parent resources. METHODS A qualitative descriptive approach underpinned by a participatory paradigm guided this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 Red River Métis parents and Elders via Zoom or telephone. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used to explore patterns and themes across the data. RESULTS Analysis generated four themes: (1) We're here too; (2) We are not all the same; (3) Finding trustworthy information; and (4) Information needs to be widely available. Red River Métis pride was prominent in the results. Parents provided tangible ways to modify existing parent resources, including adding information on how to access Elders, healers and/or traditional medicines and showing different family structures, transport, living situations, Métis names, and incorporating Métis languages. While most parents reported looking for child health information online, they also stressed the need to provide multiple options, including information sheets, recognizing that parents seek information in different contexts. Parents also emphasized the importance of accessible, safe spaces to find child health information, including local schools, community centres, healthcare organizations and the MMF. CONCLUSION There is a lack of child health information created specifically for Red River Métis families. The development of this information can support their information needs and preferences and the ongoing efforts to revitalize Red River Métis culture and language. Study findings will inform the adaptation and dissemination of existing child health resources to ensure they reflect Red River Métis parents' information needs and preferences. This research is a critical step in addressing an identified need for Red River Métis families to have culturally relevant and meaningful child health resources, and in the pursuit of equitable care for all children in Canada. TRIAL REGISTRATION N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Knisley
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Level 3, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, Canada
| | - S Michelle Driedger
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Lisa Hartling
- Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Julianne Sanguins
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Shannon D Scott
- Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Level 3, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, Canada.
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Wiegele S, McKinnon E, van Schaijik B, Enkel S, Noonan K, Bowen AC, Wyber R. The epidemiology of superficial Streptococcal A (impetigo and pharyngitis) infections in Australia: A systematic review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288016. [PMID: 38033025 PMCID: PMC10688633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Streptoccocal A (Strep A, GAS) infections in Australia are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality through both invasive (iGAS) and post-streptococcal (postGAS) diseases as well as preceding superficial (sGAS) skin and throat infection. The burden of iGAS and postGAS are addressed in some jurisdictions by mandatory notification systems; in contrast, the burden of preceding sGAS has no reporting structure, and is less well defined. This review provides valuable, contemporaneous evidence on the epidemiology of sGAS presentations in Australia, informing preventative health projects such as a Streptococcal A vaccine and standardisation of primary care notification. METHODS AND FINDINGS MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Global Health, Cochrane, CINAHL databases and the grey literature were searched for studies from an Australian setting relating to the epidemiology of sGAS infections between 1970 and 2020 inclusive. Extracted data were pooled for relevant population and subgroup analysis. From 5157 titles in the databases combined with 186 grey literature reports and following removal of duplicates, 4889 articles underwent preliminary title screening. The abstract of 519 articles were reviewed with 162 articles identified for full text review, and 38 articles identified for inclusion. The majority of data was collected for impetigo in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, remote communities, and in the Northern Territory, Australia. A paucity of data was noted for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in urban centres or with pharyngitis. Prevalence estimates have not significantly changed over time. Community estimates of impetigo point prevalence ranged from 5.5-66.1%, with a pooled prevalence of 27.9% [95% CI: 20.0-36.5%]. All studies excepting one included >80% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and all excepting two were in remote or very remote settings. Observed prevalence of impetigo as diagnosed in healthcare encounters was lower, with a pooled estimate of 10.6% [95% CI: 3.1-21.8%], and a range of 0.1-50.0%. Community prevalence estimates for pharyngitis ranged from 0.2-39.4%, with a pooled estimate of 12.5% [95% CI: 3.5-25.9%], higher than the prevalence of pharyngitis in healthcare encounters; ranging from 1.0-5.0%, and a pooled estimate of 2.0% [95% CI: 1.3-2.8%]. The review was limited by heterogeneity in study design and lack of comparator studies for some populations. CONCLUSIONS Superficial Streptococcal A infections contribute to an inequitable burden of disease in Australia and persists despite public health interventions. The burden in community studies is generally higher than in health-services settings, suggesting under-recognition, possible normalisation and missed opportunities for treatment to prevent postGAS. The available, reported epidemiology is heterogeneous. Standardised nation-wide notification for sGAS disease surveillance must be considered in combination with the development of a Communicable Diseases Network of Australia (CDNA) Series of National Guideline (SoNG), to accurately define and address disease burden across populations in Australia. TRIAL REGISTRATION This review is registered with PROSPERO. Registration number: CRD42019140440.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Wiegele
- Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Bede van Schaijik
- University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Stephanie Enkel
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Asha C. Bowen
- Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rosemary Wyber
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Knisley L, Linton J, Driedger SM, Hartling L, Sun Y, Scott SD. Examining the experiences of Indigenous families seeking health information about caring for sick or injured children: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069697. [PMID: 36948561 PMCID: PMC10040012 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mapping literature on Indigenous families' experiences seeking child health information and identifying barriers and facilitators to information access. DESIGN Scoping review. DATA SOURCES We searched Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus and CINAHL for peer-reviewed literature and Google Advanced for grey literature. We screened tables of contents of two Indigenous research journals not consistently indexed in online health databases and used snowball sampling to supplement searches. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We included full-text, English-language articles, published from 2000 to the time of the search in April 2021, based on: participants (Indigenous families), concept (experiences of families seeking health information) and context (child health). DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two independent reviewers extracted: citation details, study purpose, country of study, publication type, study design, data collection method, Indigenous group, family member participants, home/healthcare setting, child health area, how health information was accessed, and information-seeking barriers and facilitators. Data were examined for patterns and trends, results and implications. RESULTS Among 19 papers (representing 16 research projects) included, nine described family/friends and 19 described healthcare professionals as sources of child health information. Barriers include racism/discrimination during healthcare visits, ineffective communication with healthcare providers and structural barriers (eg, transportation). Facilitators include easy access, improved communication and relationships with healthcare providers, and culturally safe healthcare. CONCLUSION Indigenous families perceive they do not have access to necessary child health information, which can lead to insensitive, ineffective and unsafe healthcare. A critical gap exists in understanding Indigenous families' information needs and preferences when making decisions about children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Knisley
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Janice Linton
- Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - S Michelle Driedger
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lisa Hartling
- Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yuting Sun
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shannon D Scott
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Mullan L, Armstrong K, Job J. Barriers and enablers to structured care delivery in Australian rural primary care. Aust J Rural Health 2023. [PMID: 36639909 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this study was to explore the barriers and enablers to structured care delivery in rural primary care, reflecting on Australian research findings. DESIGN CINAHL and Scopus databases were searched in August 2021. Inclusion criteria included English language, full-text studies, published since 2011, reporting on the barriers and enablers to the delivery of structured care within rural and remote primary care. Structured care was conceptualised as care that was organised, integrative and planned. FINDINGS A total of 435 studies were screened. Thirty-four met the inclusion criteria. Barriers to the provision of structured care related to workforce shortages, limited health care services and health care professional capacity, cultural safety and competency, limited resourcing, insufficient knowledge and education, geographical isolation, inadequate care coordination, unclear roles and responsibilities and poor health professional-patient relationships. DISCUSSION Health care system and geographical barriers and enablers encountered in rural areas are complex and multidimensional. Identification of the specific challenges to structured care delivery highlights the need for a focussed review of workforce supply and distribution challenges as well as the investigation of system integration, leadership, governance and funding reform that would be required to support rural primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Mullan
- Western Queensland Primary Health Network, Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia.,Australian Catholic University, Banyo, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Jennifer Job
- Centre for Health System Reform and Integration, Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Wyber R, Lizama C, Wade V, Pearson G, Carapetis J, Ralph AP, Bowen AC, Peiris D. Improving primary prevention of acute rheumatic fever in Australia: consensus primary care priorities identified through an eDelphi process. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056239. [PMID: 35273057 PMCID: PMC8915338 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To establish the priorities of primary care providers to improve assessment and treatment of skin sores and sore throats among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at risk of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). DESIGN Modified eDelphi survey, informed by an expert focus group and literature review. SETTING Primary care services in any one of the five Australian states or territories with a high burden of ARF. PARTICIPANTS People working in any primary care role within the last 5 years in jurisdiction with a high burden of ARF. RESULTS Nine people participated in the scoping expert focus group which informed identification of an access framework for subsequent literature review. Fifteen broad concepts, comprising 29 strategies and 63 different actions, were identified on this review. These concepts were presented to participants in a two-round eDelphi survey. Twenty-six participants from five jurisdictions participated, 16/26 (62%) completed both survey rounds. Seven strategies were endorsed as high priorities. Most were demand-side strategies with a focus on engaging communities and individuals in accessible, comprehensive, culturally appropriate primary healthcare. Eight strategies were not endorsed as high priority, all of which were supply-side approaches. Qualitative responses highlighted the importance of a comprehensive primary healthcare approach as standard of care rather than disease-specific strategies related to management of skin sores and sore throat. CONCLUSION Primary care staff priorities should inform Australia's commitments to reduce the burden of RHD. In particular, strategies to support comprehensive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary care services rather than an exclusive focus on discrete, disease-specific initiatives are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Wyber
- Health Systems Science, The George Institute for Global Health, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Catalina Lizama
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Vicki Wade
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Glenn Pearson
- Aboriginal Health Institute Leadership Team, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jonathan Carapetis
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anna P Ralph
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- General Medicine and Inectious Diseases, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Asha C Bowen
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - David Peiris
- Health Systems Science, The George Institute for Global Health, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
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Haynes E, Walker R, Mitchell AG, Katzenellenbogen J, D'Antoine H, Bessarab D. Decolonizing Indigenous health: Generating a productive dialogue to eliminate Rheumatic Heart Disease in Australia. Soc Sci Med 2021; 277:113829. [PMID: 33895707 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In common with colonized Indigenous people worldwide, many Australian Aboriginal people experience inequitable health outcomes. While the commitment and advocacy of researchers and health practitioners has resulted in many notable improvements in policy and practice, systemic and structural impediments continue to restrain widespread gains in addressing Indigenous health injustices. We take Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), a potent marker of extreme health inequity, as a case study, and critically examine RHD practitioners' perspectives regarding the factors that need to be addressed to improve RHD prevention and care. This study is an important explanatory component of a broader study to inform new clinical practices, and health system strategies and policies to reduce RHD. A decolonising, critical medical anthropology (CMA) analysis of findings from 22 RHD practitioner in-depth interviews conducted in May 2016 revealed both practitioners' perceptions of health system shortcomings and a sense of hopelessness and powerlessness to transform existing health system inequities, the negative impacts of which were subsequently confirmed in a separate study of RHD patients' lived realities. We reveal how biomedical dominance, normalized deficit discourses and systemic racism influence the current policy and practice landscape, narrowing the intercultural space for productive dialogue and reinforcing the conditions that cause disease. To counter biomedical approaches that contribute to existing health inequities in health care, we recommend localized, strength-based, community-led research projects focused on actions that use critical decolonizing social science approaches to achieve system change. We demonstrate the importance of integrating biological and social sciences approaches in research, education/training, and practice to: 1) be guided by Indigenous strengths, knowledges and worldview, and 2) adopt a critical reflexive stance to examine systems, structures and practices. Such an approach facilitates productive cross-cultural dialogue and social transformation; providing direction and hope to practitioners, enhancing their knowledge, skills and capacity and improving Aboriginal health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Haynes
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Clifton Street Building, Clifton St, Nedlands, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia.
| | - Roz Walker
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Clifton Street Building, Clifton St, Nedlands, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia.
| | - Alice G Mitchell
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, PO Box 41096 Casuarina, Northern Territory, 0811, Australia.
| | - Judy Katzenellenbogen
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Clifton Street Building, Clifton St, Nedlands, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia.
| | - Heather D'Antoine
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, PO Box 41096 Casuarina, Northern Territory, 0811, Australia.
| | - Dawn Bessarab
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Clifton Street Building, Clifton St, Nedlands, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia.
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Quintana R, Fernandez S, Fay M, Camacho C, Gomez G, Petrelli J, Honeri A, Solórzano VA, Bensi A, Di Prinzio G, Silvestre A, Calvo ME, Pelaez-Ballestas I, Valdata M, Pons-Estel BA. Access to healthcare system of indigenous communities with musculoskeletal disorders and rheumatic disease in Chaco, Argentina: a qualitative study. Clin Rheumatol 2021; 40:2407-17. [PMID: 33231776 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-020-05513-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction/objectives The objective of this study is to describe the local healthcare system from the perspective of the health professionals, community health workers, and local representatives of the qom community living in the province of Chaco, Argentina. Methods A qualitative study, with an ethnographic approach, was carried out using two techniques: non-participant observations and semi-structured interviews. A guide for the interviews was designed and developed by a multidisciplinary group of GLADERPO researchers. The main aspects included were the following: reference into the local healthcare system and accessibility to the system. Andersen’s base conceptual model of health service utilization was applied for the analysis and for structuring the results. Results A total of 21 people were interviewed, twelve women and nine men with an age ranging between 25 and 60 years old. The main findings were different barriers (communication and cultural) between the community and the healthcare system; “navigation” within the health system carried out by the qom community; and migration and bureaucratization of the health system. Conclusions These findings should be incorporated into educational strategies to improve access to healthcare system and adherence to medical treatment, establishing an interaction between the different levels of the local care system and providing community health workers with an appropriate training with the support of the community representatives.Key Points • The different barriers between the community and the healthcare system were described. • The “navigation” within the health system carried out by the qom community and the migration were relevant points. • The bureaucratization of the health system and the need to design and implement educational strategies in the future were highlighted. |
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