One of the primary reasons for underutilization of healthcare services is cost. However, Kullgren, McLaughlin, Mitra, and Armstrong (2012) comment that over 20 percent of Americans do not seek out healthcare service in a timely fashion due to nonfinancial reasons. These barriers have to do less with affordability and more with accessibility and acceptability.
Nonfinancial barriers to healthcare include lack of transportation, long wait times, and work or family responsibilities. Consider, also, issues such as health needs, language, and cultural norms. Review the article in depth and discuss some healthcare policies that could be adopted to overcome these nonfinancial barriers to accessing healthcare.
Navigate to Google Scholar or use the South University Online Library and review the following article:
Kullgren, J. T., McLaughlin, C. G., Mitra, N., & Armstrong, K. (2012).
Nonfinancial barriers and access to care for US adults. Health services
research, 47(1pt2), 462–485.
To support your work, use your course and textbook readings and also use the South University Online Library. As in all assignments, cite your sources in your work and provide references for the citations in APA format.
Your posting should be a minimum of 200 words in length.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Access to healthcare services is a fundamental right of every individual. However, nonfinancial barriers hinder the timely utilization of healthcare services by many Americans. This issue should be addressed by adopting healthcare policies that will enhance accessibility and acceptability of healthcare services.
Answer:
The nonfinancial barriers that limit the timely utilization of healthcare services are diverse and complex. However, by adopting certain healthcare policies, these barriers can be overcome. One of these policies could be the implementation of telehealth services. Telehealth services provide healthcare services through virtual communication technologies, such as video conferencing and online consultations. This policy will enhance accessibility to healthcare services, especially for people who have transportation issues or live in remote areas.
Additionally, healthcare policies that promote cultural competence among healthcare providers can also enhance the acceptability of healthcare services. Cultural competence training can help healthcare providers understand the cultural norms of their patients and provide customized healthcare services that align with their beliefs and values. Consequently, patients will have trust in their healthcare providers, leading to an increase in healthcare service utilization.
Lastly, healthcare policies such as the introduction of mobile clinics, extended work schedule for healthcare providers, and the integration of childcare services in health clinics can also overcome nonfinancial barriers. These policies will address issues related to long wait times, work, and family responsibilities, enhancing healthcare service utilization.
In conclusion, the utilization of healthcare services is hindered by nonfinancial barriers, which require healthcare policies that enhance accessibility and acceptability. Technological advancements, cultural competence training, and the implementation of flexible work schedules and mobile clinics are some of the policies that can be adopted to overcome these barriers.
