Experiences of Providers and Immigrants/Refugees with Health Care: A Meta-Synthesis of the Latin American Context

Abstract

Introduction: The experiences of providers and immigrants/refugees related to healthcare in the Latin American context have not yet been aggregated. This study aimed to synthesize the qualitative evidence on this theme.

Method: A systematic review of qualitative evidence with meta-synthesis. After identification, eligible studies were evaluated for methodological quality, and information was systematically analyzed.

Results: The sample comprised 26 articles. The meta-theme shows that the experiences of providers and immigrants/refugees are determined by multilevel factors. In a macro-context, these factors involve the vulnerabilities of immigrants/refugees and the healthcare system/model, and in a closer context, they involve the lack of professional training in cultural skills and communication; language barriers; and prejudice/xenophobia. Within healthcare, the relationship is mostly conflictual, asymmetric, and unable to solve problems, leading to negative repercussions for both.

Conclusions: Managers involved in developing public policies and providers must consider improving the interrelationship between healthcare services and the migrant population.

Keywords: Immigrants and emigrants; health professionals; latin america; professional-Patient relations; refugees.