Qualitative investigation of barriers to accessing care by people who inject drugs in Saskatoon, Canada: perspectives of service providers.
BACKGROUND
People who inject drugs (PWID) often encounter barriers when attempting to access health care and social services. In our previous study conducted to identify barriers to accessing care from the perspective of PWIDs in Saskatoon, Canada: poverty, lack of personal support, discrimination, and poor knowledge and coordination of service providers among other key barriers were identified. The purpose of the present investigation was to explore what service providers perceive to be the greatest barriers for PWIDs to receive optimal care. This study is an exploratory investigation with a purpose to enrich the literature and to guide community action.


METHODS
Data were collected through focus groups with service providers in Saskatoon. Four focus groups were held with a total of 27 service providers. Data were transcribed and qualitative analysis was performed. As a result, concepts were identified and combined into major themes.


RESULTS
Four barriers to care were identified by service providers: inefficient use of resources, stigma and discrimination, inadequate education and the unique and demanding nature of PWIDs. Participants also identified many successful services.


CONCLUSIONS
The results from this investigation suggest poor utilization of resources, lack of continuing education of health care providers on addictions and coping skills with such demanding population, and social stigma and disparity. We recommend improvements in resource utilization through, for example, case management. In addition, sensitivity training and more comprehensive service centers designed to meet PWID's complex needs may improve care. However, community-wide commitment to addressing injection drug issues will also be required for lasting solutions.
College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Thorvaldson Building, 110 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C9, Canada. anas.el-aneed@usask.ca.
Katherine
K
Lang
Jaycie
J
Neil
Judith
J
Wright
Colleen Anne
CA
Dell
Shawna
S
Berenbaum
Anas
A
El-Aneed
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002170:Canada; D017144:Focus Groups; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000523:psychology*