Exploring challenges of disabled people in accessing emergency medical services in Gaborone, Botswana.

Access and use of Emergency Medical Services by disabled people has been declining, and this has been attributed in part to poor implementation of the World Health Organization Global Disability Action Plan. This is mainly due to a lack of knowledge by Policymakers about the total health needs of disabled people, a lack of political will from government officials, and a lack of interest among healthcare workers. In Botswana, EMS offers out-of-hospital or pre-hospital emergency medical and trauma services to the general public for free to attain equitable healthcare services by the Government of Botswana. However, statistics showed that the number of people living with disability accessing EMS had been declining over time, and there has been an increase in preventable morbidity, mortality, and self-referrals to hospitals. The study explored challenges experienced by disabled people in accessing Emergency Medical Services in Gaborone, Botswana. The study employed a qualitative descriptive phenomenology method. Participants were selected using purposive sampling from those registered in the Home-Based Care Program. Data was collected using in-depth interviews, and saturation was reached after interviewing 7 participants. Data was transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using the 6 steps of the thematic analysis model to produce patterns or themes and sub-themes. The study yielded three main themes that is, social exclusion, fragmented information, and policy application challenges. A wide range of subthemes was also established. Some participants felt discriminated against, while others reported inadequate and fragmented information about the Emergency Medical Services. Some participants also had self-stigma and felt stigmatized. They also reported no confidence in EMS officers. The challenges of disabled people in accessing Emergency Medical Services are diverse and therefore warrant collaborative efforts by policy makers, EMS officers, the affected group (disabled people) and other relevant stakeholders to overcome them and ensure equitable healthcare service provision at all times.
Key words: Challenges, Disabled people, Emergency Medical Services