Understanding Refugees’ Perceptions of Health Care in the United States

Heidi J. Worabo, Kuei-Hsiang Hsueh, Richard Yakimo, Essay Worabo, P. Ariel Burgess, Susann M. Farberman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Ongoing conflicts around the world have resulted in record numbers of refugees. Given the unique health care needs and access barriers refugees face upon resettlement in the United States, we aimed to better understand refugees’ perceptions of US health care as the first step to quality improvement initiatives. We used a qualitative approach by conducting 4 focus group interviews with refugees from Iraq, Eritrea, Somalia, and Bhutan. We identified 3 common themes: conflicting expectations, miscommunication, and varying levels of trust and satisfaction. Findings support in-person interpreters, cultural competency training, and integrated primary health care delivery models with stronger connections with resettlement agencies.
Original languageAmerican English
JournalThe Journal for Nurse Practitioners
Volume12
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2016

Disciplines

  • Nursing
  • Family Medicine
  • Medicine and Health Sciences

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