Access to medication and pharmacy services for resettled refugees: a systematic review
Kim Bellamy A E , Remo Ostini B , Nataly Martini C and Therese Kairuz DA School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Cornwall Street, Brisbane, Qld 4102, Australia.
B School of Pharmacy and School of Population Health, The University of Queensland, Cornwall Street, Brisbane, Qld 4102, Australia.
C School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Park Road, Grafton, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
D School of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Angus Smith Drive, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia.
E Corresponding author. Email: k.bellamy@uq.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 21(3) 273-278 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY14121
Submitted: 4 August 2014 Accepted: 21 October 2014 Published: 12 January 2015
Abstract
The difficulties that resettled refugees experience in accessing primary health-care services have been widely documented. In most developed countries, pharmacists are often the first health-care professional contacted by consumers; however, the ability of refugees to access community pharmacies and medication may be limited. This review systematically reviewed the literature and synthesised findings of research that explored barriers and/or facilitators of access to medication and pharmacy services for resettled refugees. This review adhered to guidelines for systematic reviews by PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses). Databases were searched during March 2014 and included Scopus, ProQuest Sociological Abstracts, PubMed, Embase and APAIS Health. The Australian and International grey literature was also explored. Nine studies met the quality and inclusion criteria. The research reported in seven of the nine studies was conducted in the US, one was conducted in Australia and the other in the UK. The majority of studies focussed on South-east Asian refugees. Themes identified across the studies included language and the use of interpreters; navigating the Western health-care system; culture and illness beliefs; medication non-adherence; use of traditional medicine; and family, peer and community support. There is a significant paucity of published research exploring barriers to medication and pharmacy services among resettled refugees. This systematic review highlights the need for appropriate interpreting and translation services, as well as pharmacy staff demonstrating effective cross-cultural communication skills.
Additional keywords: barriers, medicines, primary health care.
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