Health inequalities and access to health care for adults with learning disabilities in Lincolnshire

2014 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Walker ◽  
Charles R. Beck ◽  
Richard Eccles ◽  
Chris Weston
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Health Inequalities ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities

scholarly journals Access to health care for people with learning disabilities in the UK: mapping the issues and reviewing the evidence

2005 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 173-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Alborz ◽  
Rosalind McNally ◽  
Caroline Glendinning
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Communication Aid ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Improve Access

Objectives: People with learning disabilities are more prone to a wide range of additional physical and mental health problems than the general population. Our aim was to map the issues and review the evidence on access to health care for these patients. The review sought to identify theory, evidence and gaps in knowledge relating to the help-seeking behaviour of people with learning disabilities and their carers, barriers and problems they experience accessing the full range of health services, and practical and effective interventions aiming to improve access to health care. Methods: A three-strand approach was adopted, involving searches of electronic databases, a consultation exercise and a mail shot to researchers and learning disability health professionals. Evidence relevant to our model of 'access' was evaluated for scientific rigour and selected papers synthesized. Results: Overall, a lack of rigorous research in this area was noted and significant gaps in the evidence base were apparent. Evidence was identified on the difficulties in identifying health needs among people with learning disabilities and the potentially empowering or obstructive influence of third parties on access to health care. Barriers to access identified within health services included problems with communication, inadequate facilities, rigid procedures and lack of appropriate interpersonal skills among mainstream health care professionals in caring for these patients. A number of innovations designed to improve access were identified, including a communication aid, a prompt card to support general practitioners, health check programmes and walk-in clinics. Conclusion: There are important gaps in the knowledge base on access to health care for this group. While these need to be addressed, developing strategies to overcome identified barriers should be a priority, along with fuller evaluation of existing innovations.

Socioeconomic inequalities and the Covid-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 25-35
Author(s):  
Roberto De Vogli ◽  
Rossella De Falco
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Inequalities ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Economic Recession ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Disadvantaged Populations ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Unequal Access

The aim of this review is to examine the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on health inequalities and discuss effective public policies in containing them. The Covid-19 pandemic has generated not only an unprecedented health crisis, but also a severe economic recession and rapid increase in unemployment and economic difficulties. The poorer socioeconomic classes have been most affected by SARS-CoV-2 infections and deaths due to inequalities in working, housing and area of residence conditions, psychosocial factors, as well as unequal access to health care. However, the effects of the pandemic on health inequalities can be tackled by effective policies of Covid-19 containment based on testing, tracing and isolate timely and stronger social protection measures on behalf of the most disadvantaged populations.

Using Technology to Improve Access to Health Care for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations

2012 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 71-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline A. Mashima
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Underserved Populations ◽  
Linguistically Diverse ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Improve Access

Important initiatives in health care include (a) improving access to services for disadvantaged populations, (b) providing equal access for individuals with limited or non-English proficiency, and (c) ensuring cultural competence of health-care providers to facilitate effective services for individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health, 2001). This article provides a brief overview of the use of technology by speech-language pathologists and audiologists to extend their services to underserved populations who live in remote geographic areas, or when cultural and linguistic differences impact service delivery.

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