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Theoretical Background and research questions/hypothesis:
There are multiple obstacles refugees face in order to access and receive quality healthcare. Refugees receive Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) for only 8 months after arrival to the United States of America. After which, they are forced to use a complex healthcare system in an unfamiliar language. Language plays an integral role in finding interpreters, reading and understanding pamphlets, and navigating the healthcare system. Furthermore, healthcare professionals often struggle to provide satisfactory health information and communicate care to refugees. By working directly with refugee populations, the best practices to treat this vulnerable population can be discovered.
Methods and Results (informing the conceptual analysis):
Qualitative methods were used to explore the obstacles refugees face in obtaining and utilizing healthcare. First, using a grant provided by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), we connected with local refugee populations in Ohio. Focus groups were used to not only better understand the unique challenges endured by this population but to also provide a direct line of communication between this patient group and healthcare professionals. These focus groups were mediated by members of the PCORI team who asked questions through an interpreter. These meetings were well attended by both male and female refugees. The sessions were transcribed and recorded by medical students. Concurrently an extensive literature review was employed to bridge knowledge gaps regarding current refugee healthcare practices.
Conclusions:
In order to reduce health disparities we must take into account the refugee population. The focus groups highlighted the linguistic and cultural barriers as well as the logistical challenges that must be addressed in order to receive adequate care. The literature review demonstrated the need for greater emphasis on communicating essential parts of the healthcare system earlier on, within the first three months of a refugee’s arrival in America. By introducing the refugees to primary care and preventative medicine with properly trained interpreters, refugees can experience a greater quality of life.
Implications for research and/or practice:
The brunt of the responsibility to better connect with the refugee population falls squarely on the shoulders of healthcare professionals. However, real progress begins with healthcare students. At Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine, medical students are working to expand refugee healthcare education. By changing the medical school curriculum, future professionals will be better able to serve this population.