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Table 3 Healthcare utilization - Barriers and facilitators

From: Healthcare seeking among Swedish patients in opioid substitution treatment – a mixed methods study on barriers and facilitators

Barriers

Substance use disorder

 ➢ Functionality

 ➢ Cognition

 ➢ (De-)prioritization

 ➢ Self-medication

Fear of stigma

 ➢ Discrimination

 ➢ Humiliation

 ➢ Mistrust

 ➢ Judged/Labelled

 ➢ Unprofessional behavior medical staff: focusing on drug use instead of problem presented. Not listening/taking patients seriously. Lack of knowledge and understanding.

Self-stigma

 ➢ Shame

 ➢ Blame (oneself)

 ➢ Not being worthy

 ➢ Situation caused by oneself

Difficulties navigating throughout the Healthcare System

 ➢ Not knowing where to go/whom to contact

 ➢ System not cohesive

 ➢ Lack of information

 ➢ Difficulties keeping appointments

Facilitators

Cohesive healthcare

 ➢ On-site

 ➢ Convenience - Going there anyway (to OST clinic)

 ➢ Support incl. Booking appointment/ reminding

 ➢ Trust - Safe space

 ➢ Being listened to /taken seriously. Being someone who matters

 ➢ Dedicated, professional staff