Addressing transportation barriers to health care during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perspectives of care coordinators.
Transp Res Part A Policy Pract
; 159: 157-168, 2022 May.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1783776
ABSTRACT
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, transportation barriers prevented millions of Americans from accessing needed medical care. Then the pandemic disrupted medical and transportation systems across the globe. This research explored ways the COVID-19 pandemic changed how people experienced transportation barriers to accessing health care. We conducted in-depth interviews with social workers, nurses, and other care coordinators in North Carolina to identify barriers to traveling for medical care during the pandemic and explore innovative solutions employed to address these barriers. Analyzing these interviews using a flexible coding approach, we found that the pandemic exacerbated existing transportation barriers and created new barriers. Yet, simultaneously, temporary policy responses expanded the utilization of telehealth. The interviews identified specific advantages of expanded telehealth, including increasing access to mental health services in rural areas, reducing COVID-19 exposure for high-risk patients, and offering continuity of care for COVID-19 patients with other health conditions. While telehealth cannot address all medical needs, such as emergency or cancer care, it may be well-suited for preliminary screenings and follow-up visits. The findings provide insights on how post-pandemic telehealth policy changes can benefit individuals facing transportation barriers to accessing health care and support more accommodating and convenient health care for patients and their families.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Language:
English
Journal:
Transp Res Part A Policy Pract
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
J.tra.2022.03.010
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