Barriers to uptake of services for coronary heart disease: qualitative study.
OBJECTIVE
To identify factors within the South Yorkshire coalfields that influence use of health services by people with angina.


METHODS
Qualitative study using semistructured individual and group interviews.


METHODS
General practice and community settings in Barnsley and Rotherham health authorities.


METHODS
14 patients with stable angina and nine primary care staff had individual interviews plus five community groups and one group of general practitioners.


METHODS
Barriers to accessing health services.


RESULTS
A complex web of factors was identified that prevented, delayed, or facilitated referral to secondary care. Delay, denial, and self management by patients meant that the full extent of symptoms often remained hidden from general practitioners, resulting in a delayed or missed referral. Barriers identified fell into six categories: structural, personal, social and cultural, past experience and expectations, diagnostic confusion, and knowledge and awareness.


CONCLUSIONS
Many of the factors influencing referral operate before general practitioners become involved. Community development could be one way of tackling inequalities and promoting sustainable change. Structural changes are needed to improve access and increase the acceptability of general practice services. Primary care staff should be educated to detect underreporting of symptoms and promote appropriate referral.
Tod
A M
AM
Public Health, Rotherham Health Authority, Bevan House, Rotherham S60 3AQ. cm4at@sheffield.ac.uk
Read
C
C
Lacey
A
A
Abbott
J
J
D000368:Aged; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001007:Anxiety; D004739:England; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D011610:Psychosocial Deprivation; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012648:Self Care; D012923:Social Class