Primary healthcare needs and barriers to care among Calgary’s homeless populations

BMC Family Practice

Research Article

Katherine Gibson¹  Wilfreda E. Thurston²  Braden G. O’Neill³  David J. T. Campbell⁴ 

[1]1 Canadian Field Hospital, Canadian Armed Forces, Petawawa, ON, Canada

[2]Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada

[3]Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

[4]Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Room G236 Health Sciences Centre, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, T2N 1 N4, Calgary, AB, Canada

关键词: Homeless;    Poverty;    Qualitative research;    Needs assessment;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12875-015-0361-3

 received in 2015-03-11, accepted in 2015-10-06,  发布年份 2015

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundDespite Canada’s universal healthcare system, significant barriers impede individuals experiencing homelessness from accessing health services. Furthermore, there is a paucity in the qualitative literature describing how Canadians experiencing homelessness access health care services. Our objective was to qualitatively explore perceived healthcare needs and barriers among individuals experiencing homelessness in one large Canadian city – Calgary, Alberta.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative descriptive study that included open-ended interviews and focus groups with a variety of stakeholders who are involved in healthcare among Calgary’s homeless populations. These included individuals experiencing homelessness (n = 11) as well as employees from several healthcare service providers for those experiencing homelessness (n = 11). Transcripts from these interviews were thematically analyzed by two analysts.ResultsStakeholder interviews yielded several pervasive themes surrounding the health care needs of the homeless and barriers to accessing care. Some of the primary health care needs which were identified included mental health, addictions, and allied health as well as care that addresses the social determinants of health. Notably, it was difficult for many stakeholders to pinpoint specific health care priorities, as they identified that the health care needs among Calgary’s homeless populations are diverse and complex, often even describing the needs as overwhelming. Types of barriers to primary care that were identified by stakeholders included: emotional, educational, geographical, financial and structural barriers, as well as discrimination.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the diverse primary health care needs of Calgary’s homeless populations. Despite the fact that Canada has a universal publicly funded health care system, individuals experiencing homelessness face significant barriers in accessing primary care.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Campbell et al. 2015