Talking about health and experiences of using health services with people from refugee backgrounds

Health care can of itself make a significant contribution to the psychological recovery and positive resettlement of people from refugee backgrounds (Foundation House 2012), however many face barriers to accessing health... [ view full abstract ]

Health care can of itself make a significant contribution to the psychological recovery and positive resettlement of people from refugee backgrounds (Foundation House 2012), however many face barriers to accessing health services in Australia. There is increasing recognition that consumers should be meaningfully involved in health policy, planning and service delivery, and evidence that consumer involvement leads to improvements in quality, safety and patient experience of healthcare services. People from refugee backgrounds are underrepresented in processes designed to inform healthcare service planning and delivery, such as surveys, consultations, advisory committees and complaints mechanisms. This project aimed to consult with people from refugee backgrounds and people seeking asylum in Victoria about their health and experiences of using healthcare services. We engaged with bicultural workers employed in health, community, and settlement services to advise us about the consultation strategy and to conduct consultations with refugee background communities they work with. This approach was effective at reaching under-represented groups, such as people who are newly arrived, people seeking asylum, and women. Consultations were conducted with 115 people and groups from refugee backgrounds across Victoria. Thematic analysis of the consultation responses identified eight key themes impacting on the health, wellbeing and healthcare service access of people in this cohort: healthy eating and food security; social connectedness; physical exercise and sport; health information and knowledge about health service systems; communication with health providers; accessibility and appropriateness of services; mental health; and income and employment. The project has informed a range of recommendations for healthcare services and various levels of government on how to provide more accessible and appropriate healthcare services for people from refugee backgrounds.