Access to health services for people with disabilities: the perspective of primary health care providers and managers

Abstract

This study describes findings from a case study conducted on access to healthcare for people with disabilities based on the perspective of primary care unit professionals and managers in three Brazilian municipalities, considering the dimensions of Availability and Accommodation and Appropriateness. A total of 16 primary care unit healthcare providers and managers were interviewed in Brasília - Federal District, Arcoverde - Pernambuco, and Santos - São Paulo. The Availability and Accommodation dimension showed architectural and urban barriers, lack of healthcare services, geographical concentration of infrastructure, and difficulty coordinating care. The Appropriateness dimension evinced a lack of healthcare provider training, which contributes to communication barriers between healthcare providers and people with disabilities. Interviewees also pointed to a fragile link between the health services that make up the care network. On the other hand, participants deemed professionals’ attitude and the bond built with people with disabilities as facilitators to accessing care. It was expected that the more developed areas within Brazil would have less barriers to access. However, this study showed challenges to accessing health in all settings, including the richest region of Brazil, its poorest region (the Northeast), and its capital.