Date of Conferral

8-13-2024

Date of Award

8-13-2024

Degree

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.)

School

Management

Advisor

Miriam Ross

Abstract

Uninsured patients encounter major barriers to accessing healthcare, leading to delayed or missed medical care, higher rates of chronic conditions, and increased financial and psychological stress. The purpose of this integrative review study was to examine the factors that affect Texas residents who lack insurance and require access to healthcare services in outpatient community clinics. The review question was used to explore strategies to improve access to healthcare and strengthen patient-centered care for uninsured patients in Texas outpatient health clinics. A thorough integrative review was completed using empirical and nonempirical literature published between 2019 and 2024. The results of the study showed key factors that contributed to healthcare disparities: financial constraints, limited affordable care options, and lack of understanding of resources. Five main themes emerged: Visionary leadership, promote leadership transparency, patient-centered care, community connections, and create available services. The 14 subthemes are strategist, accountability, diversification, improve efficiency, patient outreach, care coordination, performance improvement, cost-effectiveness, collaborative governance, health and program initiatives, community input and funding, promote well-being and prevention, telehealth services, and addressing unmet needs. Recommendations include expanding community health centers, increasing health workers, implementing sliding scale fees, enhancing outreach and education, and advocating for policy reforms. Addressing these barriers can ensure necessary healthcare services for all individuals, regardless of insurance status, promoting health and positive social change.

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