| ISSN: | 1640-1808 |
RESEARCH PAPER
Access to Healthcare Services for Vulnerable Populations in the Czech Republic
1
, Czech Republic
Submission date: 2025-02-03
Final revision date: 2025-06-16
Acceptance date: 2025-06-22
Online publication date: 2025-07-21
Publication date: 2025-07-21
Corresponding author
Jan Neugebauer
Faculty of Social and Economic Studies, University of Jan Evangelista Purkyně in Ústí nad Labem, Moskevská 54, 400 96, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
Faculty of Social and Economic Studies, University of Jan Evangelista Purkyně in Ústí nad Labem, Moskevská 54, 400 96, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Health care directly depends on the health policy system adopted in a given country. Social and economic determinants have a direct impact on a person's well-being and their ability to access health services. People at risk are referred to as a "vulnerable population," and theories from Health Economics support the concept.
The study objective is to identify the potential risks associated with missing care for individuals from vulnerable populations. The study employs qualitative approaches, combining data collection and analysis techniques to provide an overview of the relationship between vulnerable population groups, access to healthcare, and potential barriers. The chosen methods include literature and documentation analysis, using the PRISMA-PICOT approach, as well as expert opinions.
The results show ten potential groups of vulnerable populations relevant to the Czech environment. Due to the multidisciplinary nature, the categories are segmented according to economic, social, and health perspectives. The study also identifies relevant barriers leading to insufficient care. The most frequently cited barrier is the choice of setting, where rural areas are considered high-risk for the most vulnerable groups. In light of the existing literature, the study provisionally situates these global challenges within the Czech context as well. New terminology may bring more understanding and fundamental theories for new research strategies.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors would like to thank the University of Jan Evangelista Purkyně in Ústí
nad Labem, Faculty of Social and Economic Studies.
FUNDING
The project No. UJEP-SGS-2024-45-005-2 was supported by a grant within the
Student Grant Competition at UJEP.
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| ISSN: | 1640-1808 |
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