Meeting health care needs of a vulnerable population: perceived barriers.
This study utilized the qualitative methodology of focus groups to explore health care needs and perceived barriers to obtaining health care for urban and rural women and children in areas served by nurse practitioner (NP) and certified nurse midwife (CNM) clinics. The clinics operate in a southeastern county with a rural health professional shortage area designation, and an urban ZIP code area with high rates of infant mortality and serious pediatric conditions. The aim of the study was to delineate barriers to health care in order to develop appropriate services at the clinics and to improve access. Four focus groups with a total of 31 women from the communities were convened. Content analysis shows that access to the clinics is hampered by the community women's limited knowledge of CNMs and NPs and their specific roles in providing health care services. The women suggested that clinics counter their low profile by a more vigorous outreach promotion.
Johnson
M O
MO
International Center of Research for Women, Children & Families, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 3430 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. moj@nursing.upenn.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D003151:Community Health Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006285:Health Planning; D006292:Health Priorities; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009721:Nurse Midwives / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D013022:South Carolina; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014930:Women / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D016387:Women's Health