Help for Healthcare Access in Underserved Populations

Healthcare access in the United States is influenced to a large extent by socioeconomic factors; people of color, low-income populations, and those who live in rural areas all face a number of barriers to optimal healthcare. The Institute for Functional Medicine has identified ways to improve access to care for these populations, including improving patient trust and providing new options for patient-centered care.

A 2014 research study sought to identify and understand the barriers to healthcare access for low-income and underserved communities. Affordability and limited availability were noted barriers to care, and consistent, supportive patient-practitioner relationships were identified as a means to overcome these barriers. Practitioners can build more trusting relationships with patients by being sensitive to a patient’s cultural background and traditions, their primary language, work schedules that may not allow time off for visits, and the costs of healthcare.

Practitioners may consider a team-based approach to care that is patient-centered and involves an array of staff to improve access and communication. This may entail health coaching and patient education through shared medical appointments (SMAs). A 2020 study that examined an approach that included health coaching among rural and low-income adults with type 2 diabetes found that those receiving the intervention showed higher knowledge, skill, and confidence for self-management of their condition. A 2016 review of SMAs effectiveness found improvements in care, outcomes, and patient satisfaction as well as reduced costs and strengthened relationships between providers and patients.Building trust and collaboration between patients and providers is an important part of the functional medicine personalized approach to healthcare. Taking into account a patient’s background and barriers to healthcare can improve the effectiveness and sustainability of treatment plans. Approaches that include group visits, health coaching, or telemedicine can reduce costs and address transportation challenges while improving personalized support for underserved populations.