International Journal of Public Health
Volume 56, Issue 5, 2011, Pages 549-557

Health professional perceptions regarding healthcare provision to immigrants in Catalonia (Article)

Terraza-Núñez R.* , Vázquez L.M. , Vargas I. , Lizana T.
  • a Health Policy and Health Services Research Group, Health Policy Research Unit, Consortium for Health Care and Social Services of Catalonia, Av. Tibidabo 21, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
  • b Health Policy and Health Services Research Group, Health Policy Research Unit, Consortium for Health Care and Social Services of Catalonia, Av. Tibidabo 21, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
  • c Health Policy and Health Services Research Group, Health Policy Research Unit, Consortium for Health Care and Social Services of Catalonia, Av. Tibidabo 21, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
  • d Immigration and Health Plan, Catalonian Department of Health, Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

Objectives To analyse health personnel perceptions regarding the provision of care to immigrant population. Methods An exploratory and descriptive qualitative study was carried out by means of semi-structured individual interviews and focus groups to a theoretical sample of informants: Healthcare managers (19) and health professionals (46) from primary and secondary care. Narrative content analysis was conducted, segmented by informants' groups and themes. The area of study was five regions (comarcas) of Catalonia (Spain). Results Having to provide healthcare to immigrants generates feelings of distress, overload and exhaustion in health professionals, particularly in primary care personnel. However, problems faced in providing care were identified both by professionals and managers. Communication barriers emerged as the main problem. Other problems were attributed to specific characteristics of immigrants, their inappropriate use of services and professionals' attitudes. Structural and organizational deficiencies of the health system also emerged. Conclusions For health professionals in Catalonia to provide care of quality to immigrants, interventions that reduce communication barriers and improve their cultural competences are requested. In addition, structural changes are needed to adapt the Catalonian health care system to the new circumstances. © Swiss School of Public Health 2010.

Author Keywords

Health Immigration Health services Health personnel perceptions

Index Keywords

information processing Health Personnel cultural anthropology Communication Barriers psychological aspect health care personnel human communication disorder middle aged Aged health personnel attitude interview Attitude of Health Personnel Humans Interviews as Topic male Emigrants and Immigrants Spain female Article adult migration Delivery of Health Care Focus Groups Culture health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-80955155007&doi=10.1007%2fs00038-010-0223-7&partnerID=40&md5=7458767c5f5835bbd6a38b1005d87feb
DOI: 10.1007/s00038-010-0223-7
ISSN: 16618556
Cited by: 11
Original Language: English