Barriers and facilitators to equitable care : A qualitative study of healthcare professionals with coordination responsibility in Region Gävleborg

Abstract: Equitable healthcare is a prerequisite for good living conditions and good health in the population. The Health Care Act states that healthcare in Sweden must be provided on equitable terms, however, inequities in Swedish healthcare are continuously reported. The aim of this thesis was to investigate barriers and facilitators to equitable care from the perspective of healthcare professionals with coordination responsibility. A qualitative study design with an abductive approach was used. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six healthcare professionals with coordination responsibility in Region Gävleborg, all of whom are connected to the local knowledge management group within the lifestyle focus area. Analysis of the collected material was performed using thematic analysis. The results show that healthcare professionals with coordination responsibility view politics and management, work cultures, and staffing as important barriers that exist in working with equitable care. Furthermore, the results show that cooperation within the healthcare organization, patient involvement, and knowledge are considered to facilitate the achievement of equitable care. The conclusion is that more knowledge and clearer guidelines are needed in order for healthcare professionals to be able to work more effectively to counter inequities in care.