Healthcare Barriers Research Articles

Health status and missed care among youth in care in British Columbia, Canada: A population study

PurposeYouth in care (YIC) are a marginalized population with high health care needs and barriers to access, resulting in lifelong health disparities. This study examines the health of Canadian YIC and their engagement with the Canadian health care system on a population level. MethodsData were retrieved from the 2018 British Columbia Adolescent Health Survey, a cross-sectional population survey of Grade 7–12 students (ages 12–19 years) in British Columbia, Canada (n = 38,015). Primary outcomes were self-rated general health and mental health, missed medical care, and missed mental health care among YIC. Secondary outcomes included health care access and gender differences. Multivariate analyses adjusted for age, gender, and food insecurity. ResultsYIC represented 1.9 % of the weighted sample population. Compared to non-YIC, YIC accessed health care more frequently from mental health professionals and youth-focused clinics and less frequently from family physicians. YIC reported worse general health (AOR 1.81 [99 % CI 1.40–2.34]) and mental health (AOR 1.81 [99 % CI 1.42–2.32]) than non-YIC. Adjusted for health status, YIC experienced more missed medical care (AOR 1.96 [99 % CI 1.46–2.62]) but comparable missed mental health care to non-YIC. Significant barriers for YIC included negative health care experiences and transportation. Among YIC, female and non-binary genders also had increased risk for worse health and missed care compared to males. ConclusionsYIC in Canada have inequitably unmet health care needs. Many complex factors contribute to this disparity and its correlation with out-of-home care. Further action is needed to reduce health care barriers for YIC.

Implementing genetic testing in diabetes: Knowledge, perceptions of healthcare professionals, and barriers in a developing country.

Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is an unusual type of diabetes often missed in clinical practice, especially in Africa. Treatment decisions for MODY depend on a precise diagnosis, only made by genetic testing. We aimed to determine MODY knowledge among Nigerian healthcare professionals (HCPs), their perceptions, and barriers to the implementation of genetic testing in diabetes patients. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among doctors and nurses in three levels of public and private healthcare institutions in Ibadan, Nigeria, from December 2018 to June 2019. In all, 70% and 30% of a total 415 participants were recruited from public and private centers, respectively. HCPs were recruited in a 60:40% ratio, respectively. A 51-item instrument was used to assess MODY knowledge, perceptions of HCPs, and barriers to the implementation of genetic testing in diabetes patients. In the survey, 43.4% self-rated their current MODY knowledge to be at least moderate. About 68%, 73% and 86%, respectively, correctly answered 3 of 5 questions on basic genetics' knowledge. However, only 1 of 7 MODY-specific questions was answered correctly by 72.7% of the respondents. The mean basic genetics and MODY-specific knowledge scores were 2.6/5 (SD=1.0) and 1.8/9 (SD=1.3), respectively. Multiple linear regression showed higher mean scores among those aged 30-49 years, those with degrees and fellowships (except PhD), and general practitioners; 360 (80.0%) perceived that genetic testing plays a central role in diabetes care. Barriers to genetic testing were lack of access to testing facilities, guidance on the use of and updates/educational materials on genetic testing (82.7%, 62.1% and 50.3%, respectively). The level of MODY awareness and knowledge among Nigerian HCPs is unacceptably low with a lack of access to genetic testing facilities. These can hinder the implementation of precision diabetes medicine. Increased awareness, provision of decision support aids, and genetic testing facilities are urgently needed.

Risk Factors and Outcomes Associated with Gaps in Care in Children with Congenital Heart Disease.

Adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) benefit from cardiology follow-up at recommended intervals of ≤ 2years. However, benefit for children is less clear given limited studies and unclear current guidelines. We hypothesize there are identifiable risks for gaps in cardiology follow-up in children with CHD and that gaps in follow-up are associated with differences in healthcare utilization. Our cohort included children < 10years old with CHD and a healthcare encounter from 2008 to 2013 at one of four North Carolina (NC) hospitals. We assessed associations between cardiology follow-up and demographics, lesion severity, healthcare access, and educational isolation (EI). We compared healthcare utilization based on follow-up. Overall, 60.4% of 6,969 children received cardiology follow-up within 2years of initial encounter, including 53.1%, 58.1%, and 79.0% of those with valve, shunt, and severe lesions, respectively. Factors associated with gaps in care included increased drive time to a cardiology clinic (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.92/15-min increase), EI (HR 0.94/0.2-unit increase), lesion severity (HR 0.48 for shunt/valve vs severe), and older age (HR 0.95/month if < 1year old and 0.94/year if > 1year old; p < 0.05). Children with a care gap subsequently had more emergency department (ED) visits (Rate Ratio (RR) 1.59) and fewer inpatient encounters and procedures (RR 0.51, 0.35; p < 0.05). We found novel factors associated with gaps in care for cardiology follow-up in children with CHD and altered health care utilization with a gap. Our findings demonstrate a need to mitigate healthcare barriers and generate clear cardiology follow-up guidelines for children with CHD.

Usability of technological tools to overcome language barriers in health care: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionIn many healthcare contexts globally, where the languages of care providers and patients do not match, miscommunication or non-communication can lead to inaccurate diagnoses and subpar treatment outcomes. In order...

Health literacy competency requirements for health professionals: a Delphi consensus study in Taiwan

BackgroundCumulative evidence supports the importance of health literacy in determining the quality of healthcare delivery and outcomes. To enhance health literacy competencies among professionals and alleviate healthcare barriers owing to patients’ inadequate health literacy, evidence-based health literacy competency guidelines are needed for the development of health professionals’ training curricula. The aim of this study was to validate and refine a set of health literacy competencies, including knowledge, attitude, and skills of health professionals, and to prioritize the importance of health literacy practices among healthcare professionals.MethodsWe employed a consensus-building approach that utilized a modified three-round Delphi process conducted in 2017. An online Delphi panel was assembled, comprising 20 Taiwanese health literacy experts from diverse fields such as medicine, nursing, public health, language, and communication. A set of health literacy competencies previously identified and validated by an international panel of health literacy experts was cross-culturally translated.ResultsAfter three rounds of ratings and modifications, a consensus agreement was reached on 42 of 62 health literacy competencies, including 12 of 24 knowledge items, 9 of 11 attitude items, and 21 of 27 skill items. Of the 32 health literacy practices, “avoidance using medical jargon,” “speaking slowly and clearly with patients,” and “using analogies and examples” were deemed most important by the panelists.ConclusionsThe Delphi panel’s consensus helped to identify a set of core health literacy competencies that could serve as measurable learning objectives to guide the development of a health literacy curriculum for health professionals. The prioritized health literacy practices can be employed as indicators of health literacy competencies that health professionals should learn and routinely use in clinical settings.

Operationalizing the Women-Centred HIV Care Model for trans women and persons with transfeminine experience living with and affected by HIV: a qualitative study

Background The Women-Centered HIV Care (WCHC) Model and associated toolkits were created to address the health care barriers and disparities that women and gender diverse people living with HIV experience. Since trans women and transfeminine people experience disproportionately high rates of HIV acquisition (in comparison to their cisgender peers) amidst biologic, social, political, and historical factors that affect their general care experiences negatively, more research is needed. Aim We aimed to obtain feedback on the WCHC Model regarding the acceptability, applicability, usability, gaps, and potential adaptations needed to meet the needs of trans women and gender diverse people with transfeminine experience. Methods Our study was grounded in community-based research principles and intersectionality frameworks. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 trans women and transfeminine people residing in Ontario, Canada. We analyzed the data using a descriptive qualitative content analysis approach. Results Participants were largely satisfied with the WCHC Model. However, participants were concerned with the model’s implementation due to a lack of knowledge among healthcare providers regarding trans women’s experiences within broader social contexts. Simultaneously, participants affirmed the need for care providers to offer person-centered care – a central component of the WCHC Model. Lastly, participants spoke to the healthcare system limitations and failures that disproportionately affected trans women and posed significant barriers to WCHC access and engagement. Discussion Our findings demonstrate that trans women perceive successful healthcare delivery as combining holistic care frameworks – like the WCHC Model – with healthcare providers’ understanding of individual and community needs. There is a need for policy reform to improve the healthcare system. We offer reflections and recommendations for improving healthcare for trans women.

Overcoming obstacles to mammography screening: Examining the role of offline healthcare barriers and online patient-provider communication.

Barriers to accessing offline healthcare may discourage patients from undergoing mammography screening. Online patient-provider communication (OPPC) offers a supplementary health resource that can complement traditional medical encounters and facilitate mammography screening. This study examines how offline healthcare barriers influence mammography screening, taking into account OPPC as an independent variable and cancer fatalism and patient activation as two mediators. Data from the 2017, 2018, and 2020 iterations of the Health Information National Trends Survey were used for this study. Results showed that OPPC was positively linked to mammography screening. Offline healthcare barriers had a negative association with patient activation and subsequent mammography behaviors. Moreover, offline healthcare barriers and OPPC were associated with mammography screening through serial mediation of cancer fatalism and patient activation. This study has important implications for encouraging mammography screening.

Disparities in Eye Care Utilization Among Refugee and Migrant Populations.

In this cross-sectional study, we examined refugee/migrant participants' health and eye care utilization compared to controls in San Diego County. Data were collected from electronic health records (EHRs) at UCSD Health-affiliated medical centers. Through a manual review of EHRs, eligibility criteria to identify a cohort were developed. A total of 64 refugee/migrant participants and 95 control participants matched based on country of origin, age, and sex were included in the analysis. Demographic characteristics, insurance type, and vision/eye care utilization were compared between the two groups. A greater proportion of refugee/migrant participants were more likely to be enrolled in government-sponsored insurance programs, predominantly Medicaid when compared to controls (55% vs. 24%, P = < 0.01). When adjusting for age, history of ophthalmic procedure, and surgery, refugee status was associated with fewer encounters with ophthalmologists in a multivariable linear regression model (coefficient = -1.66 [95% confidence interval [CI] = -2.89 to -0.44], P = 0.009). This study highlights disparities in eye care utilization for refugee/migrant populations. When compared to controls, a larger proportion of refugees/migrants had government-funded insurance, and refugee status was associated with fewer encounters with ophthalmologists. These findings underscore the need for further research on this population to better understand potential healthcare barriers these individuals may encounter. This analysis of EHR data illustrates disparities in eye care experienced by refugees/migrants, highlighting potential gaps in care in a vulnerable population.

Healthcare providers' perception towards utilization of health information applications and its associated factors in healthcare delivery in health facilities in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana.

Information and communication technology (ICT) has significantly advanced global healthcare, with electronic health (e-Health) applications improving health records and delivery. These innovations, including electronic health records, strengthen healthcare systems. The study investigates healthcare professionals' perceptions of health information applications and their associated factors in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana's health facilities. We used a descriptive cross-sectional study design to collect data from 632 healthcare professionals (HCPs), in the three purposively selected health facilities in the Cape Coast municipality of Ghana, in July 2022. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to check the normality of dependent variables. Descriptive statistics were used to report means with corresponding standard deviations for continuous variables. Proportions were also reported for categorical variables. Bivariate regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors influencing the Benefits of Information Technology (BoIT); Barriers to Information Technology Use (BITU); and Motives of Information Technology Use (MoITU) in healthcare delivery. Stata SE version 15 was used for the analysis. A p-value of less than 0.05 served as the basis for considering a statistically significant accepting hypothesis. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) generally perceived moderate benefits (Mean score (M) = 5.67) from information technology (IT) in healthcare. However, they slightly agreed that barriers like insufficient computers (M = 5.11), frequent system downtime (M = 5.09), low system performance (M = 5.04), and inadequate staff training (M = 4.88) hindered IT utilization. Respondents slightly agreed that training (M = 5.56), technical support (M = 5.46), and changes in work procedures (M = 5.10) motivated their IT use. Bivariate regression analysis revealed significant influences of education, working experience, healthcare profession, and IT training on attitudes towards IT utilization in healthcare delivery (BoIT, BITU, and MoITU). Additionally, the age of healthcare providers, education, and working experience significantly influenced BITU. Ultimately, age, education, working experience, healthcare profession, and IT training significantly influenced MoITU in healthcare delivery. Healthcare professionals acknowledge moderate benefits of IT in healthcare but encounter barriers like inadequate resources and training. Motives for IT use include staff training and support. Bivariate regression analysis shows education, working experience, profession, and IT training significantly influence attitudes towards IT adoption. Targeted interventions and policies can enhance IT utilization in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana.

Lived experiences of people living with HIV and hypertension or diabetes access to care in Ethiopia: a phenomenological study

BackgroundPeople living with HIV (PLWH) are more likely to develop hypertension and diabetes than people without HIV. Previous studies have shown that HIV stigma, discrimination and exclusion make it difficult...

Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic on the immigrant population by urbanisation degree in five Italian Regions (Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Lazio, and Sicily)

according to the literature, socially disadvantaged strata of the population, including immigrants, have been more vulnerable to the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to greater exposure and less opportunity to protect themselves, and to COVID-19 complications due to metabolic and clinical risk factors as well as to healthcare access barriers. Two Italian projects - coordinated by the Italian National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty and the Italian National Centre for Disease Prevention and Control - set up an epidemiological surveillance to monitor the temporal trends of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in five Italian regions using validated indicators. to identify differences between Italians and immigrants in terms of the epidemic evolution and its health consequences, and to investigate possible differences by urbanisation degree and region of residence. cross sectional study. resident population in five Italian regions: Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Lazio, and Sicily. frequencies of positive tests, routine hospitalisations, and deaths related to COVID-19 were collected, with respect to the period between 22.02.2020 and 31.01.2021. Data were aggregated by week, region, degree of urbanisation, gender, age (5-year classes), and citizenship (Italian/foreigner). Crude and standardised rates of the outcomes considered were calculated, stratified by gender, citizenship, region, and aggregated by pandemic macro-period. the study population counts approximately about 23 million residents as of 01.01.2020 (9.4% immigrants). During the period of interest, 1,542,458 cases of infection were recorded, whereas hospitalisations amounted to 175,979, and deaths to 44,867. Lower crude rates of hospitalisations and deaths were observed among immigrants compared to Italians. The age-standardised hospitalisation rates, on the other hand, showed an opposite trend and were significantly higher among immigrants, due to the excess observed in urban areas, especially in periods of epidemic peak, both for males (weekly mean standardised rate: 34.6 per 1,000 of foreign residents vs 24.3 of Italians over the period October 2020-January 2021) and females (23.2 vs 15.1 over the period February-April 2021). These differences seem to be more pronounced in the central regions and tend to disappear for residents in scarcely populated areas. Standardised mortality rates were higher among immigrants, both men and women, from October 2020 and more markedly in February-April 2021 among men. the impact of COVID-19 was stronger among immigrants in relation to hospitalisation, especially during epidemic peak periods and in some regions. The difference in the impact on mortality was smaller. There is some heterogeneity among regions and urban areas that is worth considering in the planning of interventions and integration policies.

Comprehensive Care in Sickle Cell Disease.

Despite advancements in sickle cell disease (SCD) management, individuals with SCD continue to face greater degrees of mortality, disability, and health care barriers compared with their healthy peers. Comprehensive care includes essential elements such as newborn screening, key immunizations, penicillin prophylaxis, and consistent health screening for common complications. Pediatricians should be familiar with treatment options for SCD to offer informed education to both patients and their families. By providing guided and comprehensive care, pediatricians have the potential to enhance both the quantity and quality of life for individuals living with SCD. [Pediatr Ann. 2024;53(2):e43-e46.].

A scoping review of surgical care for people experiencing homelessness: prevalence, access, and disparities.

Numerous studies have highlighted the inequitable access to medical and psychiatric care that people experiencing homelessness (PEH) face, yet the surgical needs of this population are not well understood. We sought to assess evidence describing surgical care for PEH and to perform a thematic analysis of the results. Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched using the terms "surgery" AND "homelessness." Grey literature was also searched. We used a stepwise scoping review methodology, followed by thematic analysis using an inductive approach. We included 104 articles in our review. Studies were included from 5 continents; 63% originated in the United States. All surgical specialties were represented with varying surgical conditions and procedures for each. Orthopedic surgery (21%) was the most frequently reported specialty. Themes identified included characteristics of PEH receiving surgical care, homeless-to-housed participants, interaction with the health care system, educational initiatives, barriers and challenges, and interventions and future strategies. We identified significant variation and gaps, representing opportunities for further research and interventions. Further addressing the barriers and challenges that PEH face when accessing surgical care can better address the needs of this population.

Exploring factors influencing outpatient radiology attendance based on Health Belief Model (HBM): A qualitative study

IntroductionNon-attendance for radiology outpatient appointments is a global issue and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes and operational inefficiencies. This paper aims to understand the underlying factors influencing outpatient radiology attendances based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). MethodsPurposive sampling was used to recruit patients (n=30) for in-depth semi-structured telephone interviews. Inclusion criteria comprised participants who were above 21 years old and fluent in English, while participants reliant on third-party assistance (e.g., nursing homes and prison services), to attend the appointment were excluded. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) was utilised to guide the reporting of this study. The data analysis involved a hybrid thematic analysis approach using NVivo. ResultsSix key themes associated with appointment adherence in radiology were identified. These themes included: 1) prioritising health and acceptance of current medical conditions; 2) the impact of perceived severity on non-attendance; 3) perceived benefits of attending appointments; 4) perceived barriers to attendance; 5) influential prompts; and 6) confidence in attendance. ConclusionThis is the first study of its kind to utilise the HBM to examine factors influencing attendance adherence among radiology outpatients in Singapore. Costs, prompts, and the perceived severity of the condition play pivotal roles in shaping the health-seeking behaviours of these outpatients while professionalism of healthcare staff and barriers to attendance present opportunities for providers to address patients' lack of interest towards their appointments. Implications for practiceFindings of this study will contribute to the development of personalised, targeted interventions for improving patient engagement and attendance in radiology settings.

Attitudes and barriers to interprofessional collaboration among radiographers: A multi-country perspective

IntroductionTo promote effective interprofessional collaboration (IPC), it is crucial to understand the attitudes of healthcare workers towards IPC and identify any barriers they may face. This is particularly important in the radiography profession where IPC is vital for providing holistic care and ensuring radiation protection and safety. However, there is limited research available on the attitudes and barriers to IPC specifically among radiographers. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the attitudes and barriers to IPC among radiographers from multiple countries. MethodsA quantitative descriptive cross-sectional online survey was conducted using the adapted attitudes toward healthcare teams scale (ATHCT) and barriers scale towards IPC. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon rank-sum, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and exploratory factor analysis. ResultsA total of 233 radiographers across the globe participated in this survey. The study found that the overall mean score on the ATHCT scale was 54.68 (SD = 5.75). Although not statistically significant, radiographers with over 15 years of experience tended to strongly agree with all the statements, indicating a more positive attitude towards IPC. The study also identified three subscales related to IPC: quality of care, team efficiency, and time constraint. The top three barriers to IPC reported by radiographers include i. a lack of clearly defined, shared, and measurable purpose, ii. poor communication, and iii. a lack of commitment from team members. ConclusionsThe findings highlight the need for interventions and programs that promote effective communication and establish a shared vision among healthcare team members.

Exploring Community-Based Strategies to Overcome Barriers to Hypertension Education and Management in Underserved Areas

Objective:In the United States, there are over 119.9 million adults who have been diagnosed with hypertension, representing nearly half of the adult population. Of this population with high blood pressure, 75% of Americans’ hypertension remains uncontrolled. Such control rates are significantly lower among individuals of racial and ethnic minorities as compared to their white counterparts, especially those in underserved areas. We hypothesize that the identification of community-based interventions and strategies to combat barriers to hypertension treatment and education could improve management in these populations.&#x0D; Project Methods:In this study, we looked through various peer reviewed articles on community-based care and hypertension rates among minorities, exploring study design and limitations to develop a questionnaire focused on access to hypertension education. This survey was distributed randomly during outreach events around Muncie, Indiana to anyone who wished to participate, non-minority groups included. The questionnaire asked about various hypertension and healthcare barrier identification factors with a final question of whether said participant would benefit from a hypertension education course.&#x0D; Results:The participants’ responses were across the board. Regarding hypertension knowledge, participants were asked about their diagnosis, as well as their level of knowledge of hypertension and its management; participants exhibited varying levels of knowledge. Understanding key aspects of management, including medication adherence, diet, physical activity, and potential complications and warning signs, also varied among participants. Overall, these preliminary survey results highlight the diverse characteristics and experiences of participants related to hypertension, access to healthcare, and hypertension knowledge.&#x0D; Potential Impact:This study could provide information for those looking to establish community-based organizations in underserved areas. Increasing the magnitude of such teams and advocating for more interventions against barriers to hypertension education could increase not only the health of those in such communities, but also the overall wellbeing of all people in the United States.

Towards an integrated type 1 diabetes management in low-resource settings: barriers faced by patients and their caregivers in healthcare facilities in Ghana

Background In Low-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), young people living with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) face structural barriers which undermine adequate T1DM management and lead to poor health outcomes. However, research on the barriers faced by young people living with T1DM have mostly focused on patient factors, neglecting concerns regarding plausible barriers that may exist at the point of healthcare service delivery.Objective This study sought to explore barriers faced by young people living with T1DM and their caregivers at the point of healthcare service delivery.MethodsData were drawn from a qualitative research in southern Ghana. The research was underpinned by a phenomenological study design. Data were collected from 28 young people living with T1DM, 12 caregivers, and six healthcare providers using semi-structured interview guides. The data were collected at home, hospital, and support group centres via face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, and videoconferencing. Thematic and framework analyses were done using CAQDAS (QSR NVivo 14).ResultsEight key barriers were identified. These were: shortage of insulin and management logistics; healthcare provider knowledge gaps; lack of T1DM care continuity; poor healthcare provider-caregiver interactions; lack of specialists’ care; sharing of physical space with adult patients; long waiting time; and outdated treatment plans. The multiple barriers identified suggest the need for an integrated model of T1DM to improve its care delivery in low-resource settings. We adapted the Chronic Care Model (CCM) to develop an Integrated Healthcare for T1DM management in low-resource settings.ConclusionYoung people living with T1DM, and their caregivers encountered multiple healthcare barriers in both in-patient and outpatient healthcare facilities. The results highlight important intervention areas which must be addressed/improved to optimise T1DM care, as well as call for the implementation of a proposed integrated approach to T1DM care in low-resource settings.

Health care barriers and perceived mental health among adults in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based cross-sectional study.

The perceived mental health of individuals in Canada who faced health care barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic is underexplored. We analyzed data collected March to June 2021 from adults who reported needing health care services within the past 12 months in the Survey on Access to Health Care and Pharmaceuticals during the Pandemic. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses examined the associations between health care barriers (appointment scheduling problems, delaying contacting health care) and high self-rated mental health and perceived worsening mental health compared to before the pandemic, overall and stratified by gender, age group, number of chronic health conditions and household income tertile. Individuals who experienced pandemic-related appointment changes or had appointments not yet scheduled were less likely to have high self-rated mental health (aOR = 0.81 and 0.64, respectively) and more likely to have perceived worsening mental health (aOR = 1.50 and 1.94, respectively) than those with no scheduling problems. Adults who delayed contacting health care for pandemic-related reasons (e.g. fear of infection) or other reasons were less likely to have high self-rated mental health (aOR = 0.52 and 0.45, respectively) and more likely to have perceived worsening mental health (aOR = 2.31 and 2.43, respectively) than those who did not delay. Delaying contacting health care for pandemic-related reasons was associated with less favourable perceived mental health in all subgroups, while the association between perceived mental health and pandemic-related appointment changes was significant in some groups. Health care barriers during the pandemic were associated with less favourable perceived mental health. These findings could inform health care resource allocation and public health messaging.

Understanding the Challenges of Language Barriers in Healthcare

This study aims to explore the challenges posed by language barriers in healthcare settings, examining their impact on communication, patient safety, access to services, cultural understanding, and professional practices. The goal is to identify effective strategies for mitigating these barriers to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes for patients with limited language proficiency. This qualitative research employed semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth insights from 27 participants, including healthcare professionals and patients from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo software, following a thematic analysis approach. Key themes and subthemes were identified to understand the multifaceted challenges of language barriers in healthcare. Thematic analysis revealed five primary themes: communication issues, patient safety concerns, access to services, cultural barriers, and professional challenges. Language barriers led to frequent misunderstandings, incorrect diagnoses, and treatment errors. Patient safety was compromised due to medication errors and delayed treatments. Access to services was hindered by limited availability of interpreters and inadequate translation services. Cultural misunderstandings and trust issues further complicated healthcare interactions. Healthcare professionals faced stress and burnout due to inadequate training and resource constraints. These findings align with existing literature, emphasizing the pervasive impact of language barriers on healthcare delivery. Language barriers significantly affect healthcare quality and patient outcomes, necessitating comprehensive strategies to address these challenges. Effective interventions include investing in professional interpreter services, training healthcare providers in cultural competence, establishing clear institutional policies, and leveraging technology to improve communication. By implementing these strategies, healthcare systems can enhance patient safety, satisfaction, and access to care, ensuring equitable healthcare for patients with limited language proficiency.

Development of a new measure of encounters with health care barriers: The Commonly Experienced Health Care Barriers Index.

Common barriers to health care, such as lack of insurance or transportation, hold a key theoretical role in many models attempting to explain problems with health care utilization (not seeking needed health care). However, the assessment of barriers is often post hoc, with no existing scales appropriate for a general population. This study developed and tested a new measure of commonly experienced health care barriers across three studies (Study 1, N = 194; Study 2, N = 206; Study 3, N = 741). Items were developed in line with recommendations for causal indicator models, emphasizing content validity. The measure showed preliminary test-retest reliability, sensitivity to health care inequities between Black and White individuals (beyond socioeconomic status and including association with health care discrimination), expected associations with health care utilization problems and other health experiences and life stressors, and unique associations with health care utilization problems accounting for health experiences and life stressors. The new measure has the potential to identify modifiable factors related to health care inequities and common problems with health care utilization. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).