Healthcare Barriers

 

Dr. Emrick's Books and Articles

This August 2025, I anticipate the publication of the culmination of a two-year investigation into the obstacles older adults face when accessing healthcare. To conduct the survey, I designed a comprehensive questionnaire that includes both quantitative and qualitative questions. An institutional review board approved the survey structure. Survey participants aged 65 and older reported interrelated barriers that are highly relevant to healthcare operations. Several themes emerged consistently. By synthesizing responses into a validated Barrier Index (Cronbach’s α ≈ .78) and analyzing its relationship to satisfaction and care-seeking behaviors through regression models, the research provides both a numerical measure of difficulty and a qualitative understanding of what it feels like to age in place without adequate support.

The report will present descriptive statistics showing the distribution of barrier scores, regression analyses demonstrating that these barriers account for more than 40 percent of the variation in overall satisfaction, even after controlling for age, income, and education, and thematic excerpts that bring individual experiences to life. To prepare my readers for these insights, I’ll be sharing a series of LinkedIn posts: a mid-August preview of the Barrier Index methodology, early-September highlights of compelling case studies, and a mid-September interactive dashboard showcasing how each barrier impacts satisfaction. When the full report is released, I will provide a complimentary download, an executive summary tailored for decision-makers, a slide deck for staff training, and a policy brief designed for legislators. Mark your calendars—and join the conversation here—to ensure that this research sparks concrete action, improves health outcomes, and helps every older adult access the care they deserve.