Transport Access for Ambulatory Care for Older People

Abstract

Aim
Lack of transport has been shown to be a key barrier to accessing healthcare, with poorer associated health outcomes in those experiencing transport poverty. Our health survey aimed to assess the transportation needs of a population attending a geriatric ambulatory care unit and the role of transport as a barrier to healthcare attainment.

Methods
Data collection was via survey; the survey used was adapted from the Irish Translational Study on Aging (TILDA) and the questionnaire devised by Locatelli, Sharp, Syed, Bhansari, and Gerber in their research on urban transport barriers to healthcare. Results were compiled and analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results
In total 52 participants with a mean age of 81 years were included, of which 48 (92%) were accompanied to clinic by a caregiver. The most common mode of transport was being driven by an accompanying driver (43 [83%]), with the majority of these (43 [94%]) being driven by family members. Public transport was deemed unfeasible/highly unfeasible for attending clinic by 38 (73%) respondents. Only ten of the respondents were still currently driving (19%). Common indications for attending clinic included Alzheimer’s dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and orthostatic hypotension.

Discussion
Patients were largely reliant on family for transport to ambulatory care appointments, and public transport was seen as inaccessible for the majority; overall transport was cited as a cause of stress in attending clinic. Facilitating transport that maintains patient autonomy and dignity is an area of public interest requiring further study.