Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

H Virginia McCoy

Publications and source records attributed to H Virginia McCoy.

3 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Improving access to primary health care for chronic drug users: an innovative systemic intervention for providers.

An intervention was designed to improve access to primary care for chronic drug users (CDUs) by enhancing health care providers' knowledge and skills. Using a case study method, three study sites were systematically selected for intervention implementation: a primary care clinic (PC), an emergency department (ED), and a drug treatment (DT) facility. Participants completed pre- and postintervention tests of knowledge, skills, and intentions to practice. Compared with pretest scores, participants had significantly higher posttest scores concerning knowledge of CDUs' health care needs. Postintervention evaluations indicated intentions to practice skills learned in the intervention. As hypothesized, the PC and ED subsequently instituted formal screening mechanisms to identify CDUs. This intervention revealed potential to build bridges between health care providers and CDUs. By overcoming provider resistance, primary care access can be realized for this and other disadvantaged populations.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed2002

Satisfaction with access to health care among injection drug users, other drug users, and nonusers.

This article examines the satisfaction of users of cocaine and/or opiates and non-drug users with access to the health care system. Data were obtained from a sample of 1,477 injection drug users, non-injection drug users, and non-drug users recruited from neighborhoods with high drug use. Multiple regression examined the relationship between satisfaction with access to health care and demographic, health status and health care utilization, ability to pay, and alcohol and drug use variables. Age, ethnicity, health status, having received health care in the last 12 months, not having received health care when needed, having received preventive health care, health insurance, and drug use were independently associated with satisfaction. Injection drug users and non-injection drug users were less satisfied with access to health care. The article discusses strategies to improve health care delivery to drug users.

Adult↗