Table 2 Dimensions of Access [33] definitions and themes
Dimension | Themes |
|---|---|
Geography Ease and ability by which a person can transcend the distance to a healthcare service | The added challenge of residing far from health and dementia specialist services Visiting specialists to rural communities significantly reduced travel burden Accessing healthcare and dementia specialist services virtually reduced geographical burden Limited viable transport alternatives in rural communities |
Affordability Ease by which a person can settle the total costs for needed health care | Greater perceived costs associated with travel to various appointments and tests when compared to metropolitan areas |
Availability Types and volumes of healthcare services and facilities in regard to the population’s healthcare needs | Limited access and availability to healthcare and support services in rural communities Disparity in access and choice to healthcare services and support in rural communities |
Acceptability Consumer attitudes and beliefs about their health to the personal and practice characteristics of providers | Lower expectations of healthcare and services due to limited local options in rural communities |
Accommodation Organisation of healthcare services in regards to a person’s ability to contact, enter and navigate the system to meet healthcare needs | Rural location often compounded the complexity to navigating health and social care systems |
Awareness The communication of health and health system information between health services and consumers | Insufficient knowledge of accessible services in rural communities led to limited post-diagnostic support |
Timeliness Extent to which individuals seek and receive healthcare within a time frame they consider optimal for achieving the greatest health outcomes | Relatively long waiting times for appointments with specialists and tests for rural and metropolitan areas |