Access to Medical Services in Korean People With Spinal Cord Injury

Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2014 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5535/arm.2014.38.2.174 · Published: April 1, 2014

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether Korean individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) face more challenges in accessing medical services compared to the general population. It examines the reasons behind these difficulties, focusing on factors like transportation, finances, and appointment scheduling. The research compares a group of people with SCI to a control group from the general population, looking at their experiences with needing hospital visits but being unable to access them. It also identifies the specific reasons for these unmet medical needs. The study's findings highlight that people with SCI experience greater difficulties in accessing medical care due to environmental factors, such as transportation and financial constraints, rather than personal choices. The research suggests the necessity for social policies to improve accessibility.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

363 community dwelling people with chronic SCI and 1,089 age- and sex-matched subjects

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
A significantly higher percentage of individuals with SCI (16.5%) reported difficulties in accessing medical services compared to the control group (4.1%).
2
The primary reasons for difficulty in accessing medical services for the SCI group were lack of transportation (45%), lack of finances (40%), and difficulty scheduling appointments (15%).
3
In the control group, the main reasons for not receiving medical care were lack of available time and deciding not to visit the hospital due to mild symptoms.

Research Summary

The study compares accessibility to medical services between Korean people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and a control group (CG). It found that people with SCI experienced more difficulties accessing medical services than the CG. The reasons for inaccessibility in the SCI group were mainly environmental, such as lack of transportation and finances, while in the CG, they were personal, such as lack of time and mild symptoms. The study concludes that social policies are needed to address the environmental barriers that limit access to medical services for people with SCI, such as transportation and financial constraints.

Practical Implications

Policy Development

The findings support the development and implementation of social policies aimed at reducing environmental barriers, such as transportation and financial constraints, that hinder access to medical services for individuals with SCI.

Transportation Services

The need for specifically designed transportation systems for individuals with mobility impairments is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of accessible transportation options for healthcare access.

Financial Assistance

The study suggests the implementation of medical cost exemptions or financial assistance programs to alleviate the economic burden that limits healthcare access for individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study only considered medical services provided by a doctor when evaluating accessibility, excluding other healthcare services.
2
The SCI group may represent a more active segment of the SCI population, potentially underestimating accessibility barriers.
3
Not specified

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