A nurse developing a community health program is determining barriers to community resource referrals. Which of the following is an example of a resource barrier?

A nurse developing a community health program is determining barriers to community resource referrals. Which of the following is an example of a resource barrier?

• A. Costs associated with services
• B. Decreased motivation
• C. Inadequate knowledge of resources
• D. Lack of transportation

Answer: (A)

Resource barriers are obstacles tied to the availability or affordability of services, not the client’s willingness or knowledge. Costs associated with services exemplify this because, even when a referral points to a needed resource, financial charges can prevent the client from accessing or continuing care. The other scenarios involve different types of barriers: diminished motivation reflects a psychosocial readiness issue; inadequate knowledge of available resources is an informational barrier; lack of transportation is a logistical access barrier. To reduce this barrier in a community program, offer low-cost or free services, sliding-scale fees, financial counseling, or help with transportation to improve referral uptake.

Resource barriers are obstacles tied to the availability or affordability of services, not the client’s willingness or knowledge. Costs associated with services exemplify this because, even when a referral points to a needed resource, financial charges can prevent the client from accessing or continuing care. The other scenarios involve different types of barriers: diminished motivation reflects a psychosocial readiness issue; inadequate knowledge of available resources is an informational barrier; lack of transportation is a logistical access barrier. To reduce this barrier in a community program, offer low-cost or free services, sliding-scale fees, financial counseling, or help with transportation to improve referral uptake.