Patient-reported experiences in primary health care access of Nepalese immigrant women in Canada
Abstract
Accessible primary health care is essential for the health of immigrant populations in Canada. This study explored barriers to accessing care among a relatively less studied immigrant population group, Nepalese immigrant women, which will help effectively shape public policy and improve access to primary health care for the wider immigrant population in Canada. Community-engaged focus groups were conducted in Calgary, AB. The focus groups identified long wait times as a major barrier to receiving PHC services, along with lack of proficiency in English, lack of access to medical records, competing responsibilities and unfamiliarity with the Canadian healthcare system.
Notes
Community organizations: n/a
Future research / gaps identified:
Work with communities to co-identify solutions to the barriers found in this study.
Integration timeline: newcomers not defined
Key findings
Barriers to primary health care access included:
Long wait times, unavailability of practitioners, and long referral processes
High out-of-pocket costs for various health care services and needs
Lack of English proficiency
Competing responsibilities and schedules
Lack of access to medical records, lab services and/or urgent care services
Unfamiliarity with the Canadian health care system
Key recommendations
1) Create tailored primary health care services for immigrants
2) Facilitate systems change to decrease wait times, increase health care systems knowledge, etc.
3) Increase cultural competence of service providers and services
Location: Calgary, AB
Open access: No
Key populations: Nepalese immigrant women in Calgary