Background
Access is an important concept in the study of the organization, financing and delivery
of healthcare services. It is also an important political symbol and policy goal.
Purpose
This article reviews the major theoretical frameworks that have been used to support
the study of access and measure the degree to which healthcare systems have met standards
of access.
Method
The article uses a critical review of the major works of the leading theorists in
the field of access studies.
Discussion
Theories of access accept that it is a dynamic process where there is the potential
for individuals and families to learn and modify their behavior. That learning and
adaptation is less often explored in empirical research of access to health care.
Conclusion
Researchers should consider the more dynamic aspects of access as they attempt to
understand how to improve the health care delivery system. Access models can be used
to direct the formulation of better health policy if they reflect real world processes.
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Biography
Thomas C. Ricketts is a Professor of Health Policy and Administration at the School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC.
Biography
Laurie J. Goldsmith is a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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Copyright
© 2005 Mosby, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
