Disability and Rehabilitation
Volume 34, Issue 23, 2012, Pages 2007-2017

Working with immigrant families raising a child with a disability: Challenges and recommendations for healthcare and community service providers (Article)

Lindsay S.* , King G. , Klassen A.F. , Esses V. , Stachel M.
  • a Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, 150 Kilgour Road, Toronto, ON, M4G 1R8, Canada
  • b Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, 150 Kilgour Road, Toronto, ON, M4G 1R8, Canada
  • c Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, ON, Canada
  • d Migration and Ethnic Relations, Western University, London, ON, Canada
  • e Migration and Ethnic Relations, Western University, London, ON, Canada

Abstract

Purpose: Although providing culturally sensitive care is an important element of family-centered rehabilitation very is little known about providers' experiences working with immigrant families in pediatric settings. The purpose of this study is to develop a better understanding of the experiences of service providers working with immigrant families raising a child with a physical disability. Method: We draw on a qualitative approach involving in-depth interviews and focus groups with healthcare and community service providers (n13) in two multi-cultural Canadian cities. Results: The findings indicate that healthcare and community service providers encounter several challenges in providing care to immigrant families raising a child with a disability. Such challenges include the following: (1) lack of training in providing culturally sensitive care; (2) language and communication issues; (3) discrepancies in conceptualizations of disability between healthcare providers and immigrant parents; (4) building rapport; and (5) helping parents to advocate for themselves and their children. Service providers also have several recommendations for improving services to better meet the needs of immigrant families. Conclusion: Clinicians should be cognizant of how culture influences the care they provide to clients. More training opportunities are needed for enhancing culturally sensitive care. © 2012 Informa UK, Ltd.

Author Keywords

Immigrant Children healthcare providers Culturally sensitive care

Index Keywords

information processing urban population Health Personnel cultural anthropology handicapped child Communication psychological aspect Disabled Children health care personnel interpersonal communication human Professional-Patient Relations Cultural Competency cultural competence qualitative research human relation interview Humans family Interviews as Topic Canada male Emigrants and Immigrants female Article organization and management adult migration child health care Child Health Services Focus Groups Delivery of Health Care Health Services Accessibility Culture health care delivery Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84866907621&doi=10.3109%2f09638288.2012.667192&partnerID=40&md5=656dbca18a06c4c8400dc530c4256a86
DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2012.667192
ISSN: 09638288
Cited by: 31
Original Language: English