European Journal of Public Health
Volume 7, Issue 3 SUPPL., 1997, Pages 26-32

Cross-border use of health care: A survey of frontier workers' knowledge, attitudes and use (Article) (Open Access)

Calnan M.* , Palm W. , Sohy F. , Quaghebeur D.N.A.
  • a Centre for Health Services Studies, George Allen Wing, The University, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom, Centre for Health Services Studies, George Allen Wing, The University, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NF, United Kingdom
  • b Alliance Natl. Mutualites C., Bruxelles, Belgium
  • c Alliance Natl. Mutualites C., Bruxelles, Belgium
  • d Alliance Natl. Mutualites C., Bruxelles, Belgium

Abstract

This study examined the impact of enlarging access to health care to residents of frontier zones in northern France and Belgium. A postal survey was carried out on representative samples of French frontier workers (n=176) and Belgian frontier workers (n=366). The survey explored the level of awareness of the arrangements for double access to health care, the patterns of cross-border use of health care and the obstacles and incentives to use cross-border health care. The results showed that approximately one-fifth of the respondents were unaware of their eligibility and this was particularly pronounced about their dependants' entitlement. Frontier workers tended to use cross-border care for the purchase of medications, the use of hospital care and the use of specialized care. There was an increased flow of consumption from Belgium to France which might be explained by the higher proportion of Belgian workers being of French nationality or having dual nationality.

Author Keywords

cross-border health care Frontier workers Patient perspective

Index Keywords

ambulatory care priority journal hospital personnel hospital management Belgium Article France health care patient transport attitude health survey
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0030763553&doi=10.1093%2feurpub%2f7.suppl_3.26&partnerID=40&md5=b2766b3ce83dd57ce1165c378412ef70
DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/7.suppl_3.26
ISSN: 11011262
Cited by: 8
Original Language: English