Perceptions of Caregivers Regarding Healthcare Service Accessibility of Children with Craniofacial Anomalies: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Healthcare service accessibility is crucial to treatment outcomes and results in a better quality of life for children with craniofacial anomalies. This qualitative descriptive study explored caregivers’ perceptions regarding healthcare service accessibility for children with craniofacial anomalies in Thailand. Participants were primary caregivers of children with non-cleft lip/palate craniofacial anomalies aged 3 months to 18 years. Data were collected through focus group interviews with 37 caregivers across six groups and semi-structured telephone interviews with five caregivers (42 caregivers) who brought their children for treatment in four super-tertiary hospitals with craniofacial centers from October 2018 to February 2021. Qualitative data were analyzed using the content analysis method. Three main themes emerged from the findings: 1) accessing treatment required time and many steps, 2) receiving treatment from a specialist by seeking information and advice, and 3) difficulties of hospital visits, including traveling distance and expenses. Our findings reflect that healthcare access for children with craniofacial anomalies remains a complex challenge associated with socioeconomic status, geographic characteristics, and the healthcare system, including health insurance benefits. Moreover, treatment for these children usually requires specialists typically located in university hospitals in metropolitan areas, thus limiting access for children in rural or underserved areas. To improve access to optimal care for these children, healthcare personnel, including nurses, should provide comprehensive information about potential hospitals with craniofacial centers, expedite referral processes, and offer assistance tailored to individual needs to enhance healthcare effectiveness.