How can healthcare professionals address poor health service utilisation among refugees after resettlement in Australia? A narrative systematic review of recent evidence
Jamuna Parajuli A C and Dell Horey B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Public Health, La Trobe University, Health Sciences Building 1, Bundoora, Vic. 3086, Australia.
B Public Health, La Trobe University, College of Science, Health & Engineering, Office PW 228, Bundoora, Vic. 3086, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: 17985075@students.latrobe.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 25(3) 205-213 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY18120
Submitted: 31 July 2018 Accepted: 8 May 2019 Published: 26 June 2019
Abstract
This systematic narrative review of qualitative studies examined health service barriers and facilitators in Australia for refugees after resettlement. Twelve qualitative studies published between 2006 and 2017 involving more than 500 participants were included in the review. Approximately half of all participants were healthcare professionals. A meta-synthesis approach was used to compare and combine findings from across studies. Few facilitators were identified. Barriers to accessing health services were commonly attributed to refugees, but several barriers were associated with healthcare professionals and health services. Barriers attributed to healthcare professionals included gaps in knowledge and skills; poor cultural competency; poor communication skills; and time constraints. Understanding such barriers is the first step in developing strategies to overcome them. The skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals are important to facilitating access to healthcare among this vulnerable population.
Additional keywords: access to healthcare, asylum seeker, health-seeking behaviour, service access.
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