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"Invisible" but not invulnerable : a case study examining accessibility for gay men at Three Bridges Community Health Centre

University of British Columbia

Background: The purpose of this research was to examine how the Three Bridges Community Health Centre conceptualizes and addresses the issue of accessibility for gay men. This research explored the intersection and disjuncture of how accessibility for gay men is understood and practiced from multiple perspectives (staff and clients). It revealed perceived and real barriers and opportunities for gay men in accessing health services, and provides insight into the mechanisms Three Bridges Community Health Centre employs to provide comprehensive health care to a local population that is not easily identifiable. Methods: Case study is the central defining methodological feature of this research. This study applies both inductive and deductive approaches. The data are qualitative, derived from 14 semi-structured interviews, document analysis (25 documents with a total of 398 pages) and participant observation (approximately 33 hours). Analysis and interpretation of the data were accomplished through the various procedures and techniques associated with qualitative data analysis, including the use of a qualitative software package - NUD*IST 4.0. Results: The study revealed twelve main factors that facilitate (and obstruct) accessibility for gay men. They were developing a mission of accessibility for vulnerable populations; assessing gay men's health issues, barriers and needs; utilization of the clinic; delivery of appropriate programs and services; available providers with appropriate knowledge, attitudes and behaviour; cultural accessibility (e.g., gay-friendly environment, multiple languages); geographic accessibility (location); physical accessibility (architecture); financial accessibility (affordability); functional accessibility (convenience); awareness (marketing & publicity of services and location); and partners in accessibility (e.g., community, health authorities, government). Each section of this chapter details how Three Bridges addresses each of these elements (the strengths), the challenges (e.g., time, money and personnel) in addressing these issues, as well as suggestions for improving accessibility. These factors would also be relevant for any primary care setting about to embark upon an examination of how (well) it addresses access for gay men, and other vulnerable populations. Conclusions: Partnerships with community-based agencies and recruitment of queer staff are critical in creating cultural accessibility for queer people. Many of the challenges raised by staff need to be addressed at a policy, region-wide level. Cultural accessibility for queer people also needs to be addressed by other healthcare settings.

Thesis/Dissertation

application/pdf

2009-10-10

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http://hdl.handle.net/2429/13877

Educational Studies

University of British Columbia

UBCV

DSpace