Medical barriers and interventions and the poverty cycle – a case study

Abstract

Patients in poverty face a variety of barriers in health care. The current research aims at cost reduction for the health system, while this case study focuses on cost reduction for individuals, via primary care interventions. Seven participants, identified through the Salvation Army, were interviewed regarding their health issues, practices and costs. A questionnaire, approved by WSU IRB, was utilized. The clients' responses were compared in an attempt to identify common barriers and potential interventions. Two clients were selected for case presentations. The role of a primary care provider to reduce personal health care expenses was not consistently apparent in the clients interviewed. Some clients had a tendency to seek a specialist's care rather than establishing primary care, while others valued primary care as a unifying element for their varied health needs.