Transportation and Other Nonfinancial Barriers Among Uninsured Primary Care Patients

Abstract

Introduction:Nonfinancial barriers are frequent causes of unmet need in health-care services. The significance of transportation barriers can weigh more than the issues of access to care. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine transportation and other nonfinancial barriers among low-income uninsured patients of a safety net health-care facility (free clinic).Methods:The survey data were collected from patients aged 18 years and older who spoke English or Spanish at a free clinic, which served uninsured individuals in poverty in the United States.Results:Levels of transportation barriers were associated with levels of other nonfinancial barriers. Higher levels of nonfinancial barriers were associated with elevation in levels of stress and poorer self-rated general health. Higher educational attainment and employment were associated with an increase in other nonfinancial barriers.Conclusion:Focusing only on medical interventions might not be sufficient for the well-being of the underserved populations. Future studies should examine integrative care programs that include medical treatment and social services together and evaluate such programs to improve care for underserved populations.

Impact of Health Care and Socioeconomic Needs on Health Care Utilization and Disease Management: The University of New Mexico Hospital Care One Program

“…Regarding transportation, studies have found that the transportation system is essential to health care, 17 particularly in rural areas, and that lack of transportation is a major barrier to proper management of chronic conditions. 37,38 It has been reported that more than 3.6 million people in the United States miss nonemergency or needed medical care because of lack of transportation. 39 Nonemergency medical transportation has been suggested as a viable alternative to improve access to health care in certain groups, including vulnerable populations.…”

Effect of the timing of stay-at-home orders on COVID-19 infections in the United States of America

“…The differential accessibility of uninsured population to testing is the likely explanation for this nding. Uninsured people are more likely to experience poverty and have transportation di culties, therefore they may not be able to reach the few and distant COVID-19 testing sites 20 .…”

Occupational Therapy Student Pro Bono Clinic: Creating a Sustainable Model

“…Delahunt et al (2018) also reported high rates of cancellations and no-shows were due to a lack of reliable transportation and the inability of clients to take time off work. Kamimura et al (2018) found that 20% of free clinic patients missed appointments due to transportation barriers and that this barrier negatively impacted general health. Inconsistent attendance of therapy appointments adversely impacts client outcomes, which may negatively affect client satisfaction with the student clinic.…”

“…The clinic was offered during normal business hours, which may have also limited the participation of community members who were unable to take time off from work (Kamimura, Panahi, Ahmmad, Pye, & Ashby, 2018).…”

“…If the goal is to provide therapy to the underserved community, as is the case with most student pro bono clinics, then access to public transportation must be considered. Lack of transportation is one of the most CREATING A MODEL FOR AN OT STUDENT CLINIC 57 commonly reported barriers to keeping scheduled appointments, which can be a significant hindrance to program sustainability (Delahunt et al, 2018;Kamimura et al, 2018).…”