Access to Healthcare: A Theoretical Analysis of its Dimensions

This article proposes a theoretical analysis of the dimensions of access to healthcare, in order to highlight the different aspects that need to be taken into account for the purpose of revitalizing the healthcare system and improving access to healthcare. The different dimensions analyzed were service availability, financial affordability and acceptability. Each of these dimensions was clearly defined, and their analysis enabled a better understanding of the theoretical factors essential to achieving access to care in each category. On the one hand, this approach enabled us to recognize that access to care is determined by the characteristics of both demand and supply in each of the dimensions. Moreover, it brought to light two lesser-known but essential dimensions of access to healthcare, namely the availability of services and the acceptability of care.