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Dealing With Discrimination in Physical Health Care Services: Strategies of People With Mental Health and Substance Use Conditions.

Authors :
Cunningham, Ruth
Imlach, Fiona
Every-Palmer, Susanna
Haitana, Tracy
Peterson, Debbie
Source :
Journal of Patient Experience; 11/3/2023, p1-7, 7p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Discrimination against people with mental health and substance use conditions (MHSUC) by health professionals contributes to the poor physical health outcomes this group experiences. We surveyed people with MHSUC in Aotearoa New Zealand to explore how they experienced and responded to discrimination from physical health services. Participants identified 6 strategies used to avoid or minimize the impact of discrimination. Avoidance strategies included not seeking help, not disclosing MHSUC diagnoses and changing or seeking out health professionals who did not behave in discriminatory ways. Minimizing strategies were being a "model patient," taking a support person to consultations or advocating for what they needed, even in the face of discrimination. Physical health services must focus on providing non-discriminatory care to reduce the need for compensatory strategies and improve care of physical illness for people with MHSUC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
23743735
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Journal of Patient Experience
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
173440006
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/23743735231211778