Medical archives (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Volume 70, Issue 1, 2016, Pages 61-65

Factors Beyond the Language Barrier in Providing Health Care to Immigrant Patients (Article)

Fatahi N. , Krupic F.
  • a Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Anesthesiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
  • b Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Anesthesiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Due to the enormous migration as the result of war and disasters during the last decades, health systems in Europe are faced with various cultural traditions and both healthcare systems and healthcare professionals are challenged by human rights and values. In order to minimize difficulties in providing healthcare services to patients with different cultural backgrounds, cultural competence healthcare professionals are needed.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four focus group interviews, were conducted with Kurdish immigrants in Scandinavian countries (N=26). The majority were males (n=18) aged between 33-61 years (M= 51.6 years) and a few were (n=8) females aged 41-63 years (M=50.7 years). The data were analyzed by using qualitative content analysis method.RESULTS: According to the study results participants experienced that diversities both in culture and healthcare routines create a number of difficulties regarding contact with healthcare services. Though culture related aspects influenced the process of all contact with health care services, the obstacles were more obvious in the case of psychological issues. The results of the study showed that cultural diversities were an obvious reason for immigrants' attitudes regarding healthcare services in resettlement countries.CONCLUSION: The results of the study revealed a number of difficulties beyond linguistic problems regarding immigrants' contact with healthcare services in Scandinavian countries. Problems were rooted both in diversities in healthcare services and cultural aspects. Immigrants' views of healthcare systems and healthcare professionals' approach in providing healthcare were some of the problems mentioned.

Author Keywords

qualitative research language Health-care immigrant patients Experiences

Index Keywords

information processing perception communication barrier Communication Barriers Europe human middle aged statistics and numerical data Iraq ethnology Sweden Humans migrant male Emigrants and Immigrants female Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice adult patient attitude Patient Acceptance of Health Care Social Perception Focus Groups Delivery of Health Care Healthcare Disparities health care disparity attitude to health Health Services Accessibility health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85018199270&doi=10.5455%2fmedarh.2016.70.61-65&partnerID=40&md5=5b581644d63c79b5154bf0ebf714b447
DOI: 10.5455/medarh.2016.70.61-65
ISSN: 0350199X
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English