Publication:

Barriers to access to insulin pumps in Chile: A qualitative study of a high-cost technology

Objective: To investigate the barriers to accessing advanced insulin delivery system from the experiences of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), family members, and treatment teams. Methods: A qualitative study, taking a comprehensive approach, investigated a person’s experience with T1DM and receiving insulin pump treatment, emphasizing the barriers to accessing it. A case study was conducted, considering a diverse range of individuals, including young patients, adult patients, family members or care givers, and health professionals. Twenty-nine semi-structured individual interviews provided a rich and varied perspective on the issue. Results: According to study participants, the main barriers to access to insulin pump treatment for T1DM patients in Chile were the following: (i) Geographic barriers, (ii) Socioeconomic barriers, (iii) Administrative barriers, and (iv) Barriers from health teams. Participants also identified emerging barriers related to the insulin pump’s adaptation process. Conclusions: Despite the barriers and bottlenecks identified, an effort to fill short gaps in access to insulin pump treatment by the Chilean health system is recognized. To keep improving in equitative access to high-cost treatments in T1DM and other chronic conditions, it is imperative to consider the active and meaningful participation of patients and their families in health decision-making. This can lead to more patient-centric and effective healthcare policies and practices.