The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to healthcare for people living with multiple long-term conditions: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Moore, Paula Alexandria (2025) The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to healthcare for people living with multiple long-term conditions: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Masters by Research thesis (MPhil), Manchester Metropolitan University.

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Abstract

This qualitative phenomenological study focuses on the experience of four individuals living with multiple long-term conditions (MLTC), by comparing their lived experiences before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic for the purpose of understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare access and informing healthcare policy and delivery. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology it identifies four key themes of particular significance to the participants: (a) living in the unknown: an emotional response to waiting for access to healthcare services, (b) the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their day-to-day life, (c) trust and faith in healthcare services and (d) the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Within these main themes, seventeen sub-themes exemplify the meaning participants have assigned to their experience of accessing healthcare and the impact on their quality of life. In addition to providing insights into the experience of people living with MLTC, this research has exposed limitations in healthcare provision which has become overly concerned with identifying pathways for single conditions and applies systems and processes that mitigate the ability of healthcare professionals to consider the ‘whole person.’ Participants’ accounts illustrate that these factors were exacerbated by the pandemic, and how the reduced ability to provide services tailored to the individual continues to impact individuals’ quality of life in many ways; thereby generating increased demand on healthcare services.