Understanding challenges in healthcare access: qualitative insights from healthcare providers and people living in socio-economically vulnerable circumstances
The study reveals the complex and cumulative barriers to healthcare access for socio-economically vulnerable individuals, including competing priorities, system fragmentation, and cultural and language challenges. While informal social networks provide some support, they are insufficient to address systemic issues. Integrating these networks with formal community outreach initiatives could improve coordination and access to healthcare.
Authors
- Hilde Bastiaens (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5509-3406)
- Josefien van Olmen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9724-1887)
- Caroline Masquillier (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1748-5967)
- Hans De Loof (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4488-551X)
- Hannah Ledegen
- Emilie Op de Beeck
- Gytha Slechten
Institutions
- University of Antwerp (BE)
- National University Health System (SG)
Publication Details
- Journal
- International Journal for Equity in Health
- Published
- 2025-10-08
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-025-02613-0
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Primary Care and Health Outcomes
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.82
Funders
- Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
- Universiteit Antwerpen
- Vlaamse regering