This presentation will explore common issues in evaluating access to health care through provision of nurse-managed services for vulnerable populations in New Zealand and Indiana. The presentation is based on research conducted during the author's sabbatical leave in New Zealand in 2000, and in her role as the project director of a nurse-managed clinic in rural Indiana. Access to health care is defined broadly, beyond the mere provision of services, and includes geographic and cultural determinants. Client perspectives of the concept of accessibility will be explored across cultural settings. Factors related to client's perceptions of providers; for example, whether or not they are perceived to be representative of the client group, were found to have a major impact on utilization of and satisfaction with nurse-managed health care services. Sociopolitical factors which affect the implementation, utilization, and evaluation of nurse- managed services will be identified. Strategies that incorporate the community as partner in reaching "hard to reach" populations in cross cultural settings will be presented.
Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Identify cross cultural factors affecting utilization of nurse-managed services in vulnerable populations. 2. Recognize sociopolitical factors which affect client's perceptions of accessibility. 3. Develop strategies for reaching "hard to reach" populations in cross cultural settings.
Keywords: Access to Care, International Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.