Public Health Customers' Experiences of Health Accessibility: A Phenomenological Study



Rajati F¹ ; Kamali M² ; Parvizy S³ ; Rajati M⁴ Show Affiliations
Source: Iranian Journal of Epidemiology Published:2011

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Custom-orienting is a critical issue for public health service. Peoples with a variety of developmental health care needs and perspectives are health care clients. Health accessibility through Primary health care has been approved and emphasized in Alma Ata in 1978. It is important to have a clear and transparent understanding of clients' health needs and problems that would enable us to address such needs and prevent the negative consequences that might otherwise ensue. The aim of this study was to understand and gain deeper insight into health service customers' lived experience of public health accessibility. Methods: This study has been conducted with a phenomenological approach. Max van Manen six steps method of hermeneutic-phenomenology has been used. Nine health care clients were selected purposefully and interviewed semi-structured. Results: The results of this experiment revealed the following six themes: to encounter with holistic learning chance, custom-oriented communications, qualified health care service, appropriate time-place health services, equality- orienting, and individual participation. Conclusion: The participants believed that health accessibility is something more than just to have health services. Therefore, health education and social equality will bring about optimum health services. To develop multi-dimensional learning and to promote individual participation will be useful for more community empowerment.