• Sara Lena Schröder, Olaf Martin, Martin Mlinarić, and Matthias Richter.
• Institut für Medizinische Soziologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale).
• Gesundheitswesen. 2019 Jul 1; 81 (7): 564-569.

ObjectiveThe aim of this qualitative study was to explore inequalities in healthcare from the patient's perspective.Methods44 semi-structured interviews with patients, aged 59-80 years, were conducted at the university hospital in Halle, Germany in 2014 and 2015. We analyzed the narratives following inductive qualitative content analysis.ResultsMost of the patients (82%) perceived inequalities in healthcare. Dimensions of healthcare inequalities from the patient's perspective were regional differences, type of health insurance, quality of physicians and the patients themselves (Income, Age). The patient's engagement in utilization was mentioned most often as a dimension of inequalities, but not considered a disadvantage. From the patient's perspective, inequalities were more prevalent in the outpatient sector (waiting time, lack of time). Economization in the healthcare system was viewed as the main reason of healthcare inequalities. We found no differences between patients of high and low socioeconomic status.ConclusionFrom the patient´s point of view, their own capacity to orient and engage themselves in the healthcare system, as well as reduction of barriers to accessing outpatient care are highly important for reducing inequalities in healthcare.© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

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