Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: To achieve health equity, we must first understand health inequities. This article focuses on socioeconomic deprivation and associated barriers to accessing health care for children and their families in the UK, where, despite care being free at the point of delivery, economic barriers to health care access remain. METHODS: Thematic analysis of findings from a large qualitative study with providers of secondary and tertiary pediatric care in the UK. Rapid research evaluation and appraisal lab methodology was used to analyze data and identify themes. RESULTS: A total of 217 staff were consulted at all levels within 9 pediatric health care providers. Barriers to health care access were categorized under 2 intersectional themes: economic barriers and system accessibility. Examples of approaches to address barriers are presented and discussed. CONCLUSION: Decision-makers, clinicians, and staff at all levels are encouraged to consider the accessibility of their services against the key themes identified in this study. To fully address equity, national policy is required to address system sensitivities and avoid unregulated approaches for certain groups/specialties widening the inequities they aim to address.
Source: PEDIATRICS
Authors: Louise Brennan, Liz Brewster, Judith Lunn, Rachel Isba
Language: English
Topic: Child and Adolescent Health
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: World Health Organization
OpenAlex ID: W4413865420