Patients' perceptions with high-risk diabetic foot on early access to medical care: A qualitative study.

AIMS: To explore the perception of patients with high-risk diabetic foot on early access to medical care.

DESIGN

Qualitative interview study.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative exploratory and descriptive study involving 11 community-based patients with high-risk diabetic foot residing in Hunan, China. Interviews were systematically coded and categorized into thematic groups using Colaizzi's method.

RESULTS

There were five main themes and nine subthemes, namely, (1) Attitude toward healthcare-seeking, (2) Lack of disease knowledge: (a) low symptom alertness, (b) necessity of health education, (3) Hospital visits: (a) doctor-patient relationship, (b) level of medical institutions, (c) obstacles in seeking healthcare, (4) Financial consideration: (a) apprehension about adding to family burden, (b) medical insurance to ease financial stress, (5)Environmental impact: (a) family and social supports, (b) communication between patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with high-risk diabetic foot have barriers to early intention to seek medical care, and it is the result of a combination of many factors. Healthcare providers should provide relevant interventions for patients, and health insurance systems should be improved to increase coverage to facilitate timely access.