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Factors Influencing Patient\'s Access To Diagnostic Imaging Services In Nigeria: Perception Of General Practitioners
Abstract
Aim: To determine General Practitioner's perceptions of factors influencing patient's access to diagnostic imaging services in Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were given to general practitioners to complete, in order to identify factors that limit patients' access to diagnostic imaging services, and the perceived impact of this limited access. Contacts were made with the practitioners during conferences, seminars, update courses and meetings, to facilitate administration and retrieval of the questionnaires.
Results: General Practitioners identified factors that limit patient's access to diagnostic imaging services in Nigeria and the perceived impact of this limited access. Cost was found to be the main limiting factor, followed by non-availability of some of the imaging modalities. A statistically significant association was found between increasing distance from practitioners' location and availability of some imaging services, regarding limited access. It was the popular view (67% of respondents), that restricted access has significant impact on patient management, by forcing general practitioners to resort to therapeutic trials and ancillary laboratory tests.
Conclusion: Diagnostic imaging services remain an important part of patient management in Nigeria. However, access to these services by patients is limited by factors of cost, and non-availability of some modalities, among others. Health insurance and subsidized services as well as training of personnel are suggested for improving access. More interaction between clinicians and radiologists would enhance patient management.
KEY WORDS: Access, Diagnostic Imaging Services, and General Practitioners.
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol.7(2) 2004: 88-92
Materials and Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were given to general practitioners to complete, in order to identify factors that limit patients' access to diagnostic imaging services, and the perceived impact of this limited access. Contacts were made with the practitioners during conferences, seminars, update courses and meetings, to facilitate administration and retrieval of the questionnaires.
Results: General Practitioners identified factors that limit patient's access to diagnostic imaging services in Nigeria and the perceived impact of this limited access. Cost was found to be the main limiting factor, followed by non-availability of some of the imaging modalities. A statistically significant association was found between increasing distance from practitioners' location and availability of some imaging services, regarding limited access. It was the popular view (67% of respondents), that restricted access has significant impact on patient management, by forcing general practitioners to resort to therapeutic trials and ancillary laboratory tests.
Conclusion: Diagnostic imaging services remain an important part of patient management in Nigeria. However, access to these services by patients is limited by factors of cost, and non-availability of some modalities, among others. Health insurance and subsidized services as well as training of personnel are suggested for improving access. More interaction between clinicians and radiologists would enhance patient management.
KEY WORDS: Access, Diagnostic Imaging Services, and General Practitioners.
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol.7(2) 2004: 88-92
