Service coordination for system navigation when living with a neurological condition in Manitoba
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Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to explore the diverse experiences of accessing health and social services when living with a neurological condition in Manitoba. Using a qualitative research design, I conducted 15 in-depth semi-structured interviews with adults living with a neurological condition in Manitoba. Findings demonstrated how characteristics of patients, and their service providers/systems, either predisposed them to a lack of service coordination or enabled them to successfully navigate health and social services. In the event that those factors contributed to a need or desire for coordination, participants employed strategies to improve their experience accessing services by i. pursuing knowledge to improve access, ii. actively engaging in behaviours to improve services, or iii. mentally coping with inadequate services. To conclude, practical recommendations on possible initiatives to improve the daily experiences of individuals living with neurological conditions are also provided.