Poverty proofing healthcare: A qualitative study of barriers to accessing healthcare for low-income families with children in northern England

Bidmead, Elaine; Hayes, Louise; Mazzoli-Smith, Laura; Wildman, Josephine; Rankin, Judith; Leggott, Emma; Todd, Liz; Bramhall, Luke

Abstract

Poverty impacts negatively on children’s health and future life chances. Access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is based on clinical need rather than the ability to pay but horizontal inequities in access exist. Children North East, a charity supporting children experiencing poverty, are working with partners to reduce the impacts of poverty on NHS access. This collaborative study aimed to understand barriers to healthcare access faced by families living on low incomes to validate and support further development of a Poverty Proofing© healthcare tool. Twenty-four parents and eight Voluntary Community Social Enterprise sector staff participated in qualitative interviews or focus groups. Data were analysed thematically, and three main themes were identified as impacting access to healthcare: hidden costs, securing appointments and developing relationships with healthcare providers. We conclude that low-income families experience both financial and other barriers to accessing NHS healthcare and that these barriers are exacerbated for low-income families living in remote/rural areas.

Citation

Bidmead, E., Hayes, L., Mazzoli-Smith, L., Wildman, J., Rankin, J., Leggott, E., …Bramhall, L. (2024). Poverty proofing healthcare: A qualitative study of barriers to accessing healthcare for low-income families with children in northern England. PLoS ONE, 19(4), Article e0292983. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0292983

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 18, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Apr 26, 2024
• Publication Date: Apr 26, 2024
• Deposit Date: Apr 29, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 29, 2024
• Journal: PLOS ONE
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 4
• Article Number: e0292983
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0292983
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2407410