Barriers to access for interstitial lung diseases care in Colombia

Abstract

There is a growing amount of information regarding the management of interstitial lung diseases in the world. However, barriers in access to health systems affect adherence to treatment standards for these patients. This article aims to explore the perspectives of pulmonologists about the barriers in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with interstitial lung diseases in Colombia. For this purpose, we conducted a qualitative study whose methodological approach was phenomenological. Focus groups were formed with pulmonologists to explore the barriers in access to health services. The data were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis. The participants expressed the existence of barriers derived from the lack of training in primary care, the lack of integrated services and the scarcity of multidisciplinary discussion groups. Inequality of care is related to structural problems of the Colombian social security system. We concluded that the characteristics of the health system establish most of the barriers to patient care. Greater awareness among medical professionals could avoid delays in access to specialized care.