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Stajduhar KI, Mollison A, Giesbrecht M, McNeil R, Pauly B, Reimer-Kirkham S, Dosani N, Wallace B, Showler G, Meagher C, Kvakic K, Gleave D, Teal T, Rose C, Showler C, Rounds K. "Just too busy living in the moment and surviving": barriers to accessing health care for structurally vulnerable populations at end-of-life. BMC Palliat Care 2019; 18:11. [PMID: 30684959 PMCID: PMC6348076 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-019-0396-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite access to quality care at the end-of-life (EOL) being considered a human right, it is not equitable, with many facing significant barriers. Most research examines access to EOL care for homogenous 'normative' populations, and as a result, the experiences of those with differing social positioning remain unheard. For example, populations experiencing structural vulnerability, who are situated along the lower rungs of social hierarchies of power (e.g., poor, homeless) will have unique EOL care needs and face unique barriers when accessing care. However, little research examines these barriers for people experiencing life-limiting illnesses and structural vulnerabilities. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers to accessing care among structurally vulnerable people at EOL. METHODS Ethnography informed by the critical theoretical perspectives of equity and social justice was employed. This research drew on 30 months of ethnographic data collection (i.e., observations, interviews) with structurally vulnerable people, their support persons, and service providers. Three hundred hours of observation were conducted in homes, shelters, transitional housing units, community-based service centres, on the street, and at health care appointments. The constant comparative method was used with data collection and analysis occurring concurrently. RESULTS Five significant barriers to accessing care at EOL were identified, namely: (1) The survival imperative; (2) The normalization of dying; (3) The problem of identification; (4) Professional risk and safety management; and (5) The cracks of a 'silo-ed' care system. Together, findings unveil inequities in accessing care at EOL and emphasize how those who do not fit the 'normative' palliative-patient population type, for whom palliative care programs and policies are currently built, face significant access barriers. CONCLUSIONS Findings contribute a nuanced understanding of the needs of and barriers experienced by those who are both structurally vulnerable and facing a life-limiting illness. Such insights make visible gaps in service provision and provide information for service providers, and policy decision-makers alike, on ways to enhance the equitable provision of EOL care for all populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. I. Stajduhar
- Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 Canada
- School of Nursing, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - A. Mollison
- Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - M. Giesbrecht
- Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - R. McNeil
- BC Centre on Substance Use, 608–1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6 Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9 Canada
| | - B. Pauly
- School of Nursing, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 Canada
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - S. Reimer-Kirkham
- School of Nursing, Trinity Western University, 7600 Glover Road, Langley, BC V2Y 1Y1 Canada
| | - N. Dosani
- Inner City Health Associates, 59 Adelaide St. E, Toronto, ON M5C 1K6 Canada
| | - B. Wallace
- School of Social Work, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - G. Showler
- Victoria Cool Aid Community Health Centre, 1st Floor, Access Health Centre, 713 Johnson Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1M8 Canada
| | - C. Meagher
- Victoria Cool Aid Community Health Centre, 1st Floor, Access Health Centre, 713 Johnson Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1M8 Canada
| | - K. Kvakic
- AIDS Vancouver Island, 713 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 1M8 Canada
| | - D. Gleave
- Victoria Cool Aid Community Health Centre, 1st Floor, Access Health Centre, 713 Johnson Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1M8 Canada
| | - T. Teal
- AIDS Vancouver Island, 713 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 1M8 Canada
| | - C. Rose
- Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - C. Showler
- Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - K. Rounds
- Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 Canada
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