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Personal access to health care: a concept analysis
Tommie L Norris1, Margaret Aiken
1Acute and Chronic Care Department, College of Nursing, University of TN 38163, USA. tnorris4@utmem.edu
Public Health Nursing (Boston, Mass.)
|February 8, 2006
Summary
This study defines access to health care, a crucial concept in health policy. A clear, measurable definition is needed for consistent interpretation by all stakeholders.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Healthcare Policy Analysis
Background:
- Access to health care is a widely discussed but poorly defined concept in policy and practice.
- A lack of a common interpretation hinders effective healthcare policy development and implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a concept analysis of access to health care.
- To formulate a theoretical definition for improved understanding and measurability.
- To move towards an operational definition for consistent application in healthcare policy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Walker and Avant's concept analysis strategy.
- Identified antecedents, attributes, and empirical referents of access to health care.
- Described model, borderline, contrary, and invented cases to delineate the concept.
Main Results:
- A theoretical definition of access to health care was derived.
- The analysis clarified the concept's components and variations.
- The study highlighted the ongoing challenge in establishing a measurable definition.
Conclusions:
- The derived theoretical definition enhances understanding of access to health care.
- Further development is needed to achieve a fully operational and measurable definition.
- A shared interpretation of access to health care is essential for policy and practice.
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