“Just too busy living in the moment and surviving”: Barriers to accessing health care for structurally vulnerable populations at end-of-life

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dc.contributor.authorStajduhar, Kelli I.
dc.contributor.authorMollison, A.
dc.contributor.authorGiesbrecht, M.
dc.contributor.authorMcNeil, Ryan
dc.contributor.authorPauly, Bernie
dc.contributor.authorReimer-Kirkham, Sheryl
dc.contributor.authorDosani, N.
dc.contributor.authorWallace, B.
dc.contributor.authorShowler, Grey
dc.contributor.authorMeagher, C.
dc.contributor.authorKvakic, K.
dc.contributor.authorGleave, D.
dc.contributor.authorTeal, T.
dc.contributor.authorRose, C.
dc.contributor.authorShowler, C.
dc.contributor.authorRounds, K.
dc.date.accessioned2020-11-02T22:45:46Z
dc.date.available2020-11-02T22:45:46Z
dc.date.copyright2019en_US
dc.date.issued2019
dc.description.abstractDespite access to quality care at the end-of-life (EOL) being considered a human right, it is not equitable, with many facing significant barriers. Most research examines access to EOL care for homogenous ‘normative’ populations, and as a result, the experiences of those with differing social positioning remain unheard. For example, populations experiencing structural vulnerability, who are situated along the lower rungs of social hierarchies of power (e.g., poor, homeless) will have unique EOL care needs and face unique barriers when accessing care. However, little research examines these barriers for people experiencing life-limiting illnesses and structural vulnerabilities. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers to accessing care among structurally vulnerable people at EOL. Methods Ethnography informed by the critical theoretical perspectives of equity and social justice was employed. This research drew on 30 months of ethnographic data collection (i.e., observations, interviews) with structurally vulnerable people, their support persons, and service providers. Three hundred hours of observation were conducted in homes, shelters, transitional housing units, community-based service centres, on the street, and at health care appointments. The constant comparative method was used with data collection and analysis occurring concurrently. Results Five significant barriers to accessing care at EOL were identified, namely: (1) The survival imperative; (2) The normalization of dying; (3) The problem of identification; (4) Professional risk and safety management; and (5) The cracks of a ‘silo-ed’ care system. Together, findings unveil inequities in accessing care at EOL and emphasize how those who do not fit the ‘normative’ palliative-patient population type, for whom palliative care programs and policies are currently built, face significant access barriers. Conclusions Findings contribute a nuanced understanding of the needs of and barriers experienced by those who are both structurally vulnerable and facing a life-limiting illness. Such insights make visible gaps in service provision and provide information for service providers, and policy decision-makers alike, on ways to enhance the equitable provision of EOL care for all populations.en_US
dc.description.reviewstatusRevieweden_US
dc.description.scholarlevelFacultyen_US
dc.description.sponsorshipWe would like to acknowledge members of the Palliative Outreach Resource Team (PORT) who acted as the Advisory Committee for this study providing invaluable contributions beyond their everyday passion for equity in palliative care. This research is supported by funds from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (MOP 133578). The funding body did not have any role in the design of the study and collection,en_US
dc.identifier.citationStajduhar, K. I., Mollison, A., Giesbrecht, M., McNeil, R., Pauly, B., Reimer- Kirkham, S., … Rounds, K. (2019). “Just too busy living in the moment and surviving”: barriers to accessing health care for structurally vulnerable populations at end-of-life. BMC Palliative Care, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-019-0396-7en_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-019-0396-7
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1828/12290
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherBMC Palliative Careen_US
dc.subjectAccess to careen_US
dc.subjectStructural vulnerabilityen_US
dc.subjectHomelessnessen_US
dc.subjectEOL careen_US
dc.subjectHealth equityen_US
dc.subjectEthnographic methodsen_US
dc.subjectCanadaen_US
dc.title“Just too busy living in the moment and surviving”: Barriers to accessing health care for structurally vulnerable populations at end-of-lifeen_US
dc.typeArticleen_US

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