Barriers and facilitators to care of beneficiaries of the United States military health system

Abstract

Concerns about health care cost, quality, and access have led to major reform in the U.S. Military Health System (MHS). These changes may impact how clients view the system and their health care. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the perceived barriers and facilitators to care for active duty and civilian health care beneficiaries. Secondary inductive content analysis was performed with 29 original phenomenological interviews. Categories and subcategories of barriers and facilitators were identified. Facilitators common across groups were: staff characteristics, system familiarity, and military health system processes and structures. Common barriers common included military processes, health care staff, health care system process and procedures, and oppressive milieu. Facilitators and barriers unique to each group were also identified. These findings can assist military nurse leaders advocate for and implement health care systems changes that will benefit the consumer as well as the system of care.