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Review
. 2025 Jul;81(7):3647-3673.
doi: 10.1111/jan.16693. Epub 2024 Dec 25.

Transnational Healthcare Practices Among Migrants: A Concept Analysis

Kateryna Metersky  1 , Sepali Guruge  1 , Lu Wang  2 , Areej Al-Hamad  1 , Yasin M Yasin  3 , Cristina Catallo  1 , Lixia Yang  4 , Jordana Salma  5 , Zhixi C Zhuang  6 , Monica Chahine  7 , Melissa Kirkwood  7 , Ayah Al-Anani  7
Affiliations
Review

Transnational Healthcare Practices Among Migrants: A Concept Analysis

Kateryna Metersky et al. J Adv Nurs. 2025 Jul.

Abstract

Aims: To present a conceptual definition of transnational healthcare in the context of migrant older adults.

Design: This article follows the Walker and Avant concept analysis framework to conduct an in-depth analysis of transnational healthcare.

Methods: Databases were searched for scholarly articles using keywords associated with transnational healthcare. The DistillerSR software was employed to screen articles for inclusion in the concept analysis. Titles and abstracts of 390 articles were screened with 50 identified for full-text screening. Thirty-seven articles were included to inform the concept analysis.

Data sources: Social Science Citation Index (Clarivate), PsycInfo and CINAHL databases. Search dates: March-May 2024.

Results: Defining attributes of the concept include cultural comfort and alignment, perceived quality and trust, integration barriers and experiences of discrimination, use of digital platforms and informal networks, challenges navigating host country health systems. Cases, antecedents, consequences, empirical referents and cultural considerations were used to shape a conceptual definition of transnational healthcare.

Conclusion: Transnational healthcare is defined as a practice involving those living outside of their country of origin seeking healthcare from that country of origin through physical or other means.

Implications for professional practice: This conceptual definition highlights the importance of understanding healthcare access, quality and continuity of care across national borders.

Impact: This study addresses gaps in available literature regarding transnational healthcare and its impacts on treatment outcomes, healthcare satisfaction and continuity of care in migrant communities.

Reporting method: This article adheres to the PRISMA (2020) reporting guidelines for systematic reviews.

Patient or public contribution: No patient or public contribution.

Keywords: care pathways; cultural issues; delivery of healthcare; international health; migrant health; models of care; refugee health.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Transnational healthcare concept analysis PRISMA‐ScR diagram.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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