Access refers to being able to use a service when it is needed (Class notes, 2014)
Barrier to access
There are barrier to access is Factors that hinder or prevent some service users from obtaining the care services that they want, have a health or care-related need for, and may even have a legal right to, are called barriers to Access. (Class notes, 2014)
There are four barriers which can cause a patient to not receive the treatment they need and which could cause problems in the GP surgery.
Communication and Language Barrier
Communication and language barrier. This is defined as ‘Problems, linked to communication methods and limitations which may result in communication being ineffective’ (Classroom notes, 2014)
An example …show more content…
If the surgery has opening and closing times that are not convenient for patients who either work, go to school or have other responsibilities. Therefore, this could lead to the patient not being able to see the doctor in time. For Example, Melanie Ruddell who could not get an appointment in the GP surgery because of the opening times so went to Accident and Emergency and would not wait such a long length of time that patients normally have to wait when going to Accident and Emergency to be seen. She was never diagnosed with mental health problems which resulted with her killing her two year old son. Premature death was the effect of this barrier in this case as the child died at such a young age. Also the mother did not get the treatment and care she needed due to the surgeries awkward opening times. This could have been avoided by having more flexible opening times that are convenient for all patients. Also they could provide contact information for an out of hour’s doctor so that the patients ' can still talk to a doctor in an emergency without waiting for Accident and Emergency to see them. (Daily mail, …show more content…
Furthermore, the patients will feel taken care off if they are reassured that they will get the medication they need despite where they live. Also the staff will feel proud and comfortable knowing that they offer good services and they have flexible opening times for everyone and so that the patient is always treated.
Emotional Barrier
An Emotional barrier can be defined as ‘Problems and feelings which a patient experiences which can affect their ability to access services. Not everybody has the same attitude towards
health and some people don’t want to see the doctor even when the need is there. Some people may feel embarrassed or indifferent’ (Classroom Notes,