Challenges in the health care of international migrants in Chile

Authors

  • Margarita Bernales Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo. Santiago, Chile. Psicóloga, PhD en Salud Comunitaria
  • Báltica Cabieses Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo. Santiago, Chile Department of Health Sciences, University of York. York, England, UK. enfermera-matrona, PhD Health Sciences (Social Epidemiology).
  • Ana María McIntyre Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo. Santiago, Chile. tecnólogo médico, MSc Psicología de la Salud.
  • Macarena Chepo Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo. Santiago, Chile. enfermera, matrona

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17843/rpmesp.2017.342.2510

Keywords:

Human Migration, Chile, Primary Health Care, Health Personnel

Abstract

Objectives. To investigate the perceptions of primary health workers (PHW) about the challenges of health care for migrants. Materials and methods. A qualitative multicase study was conducted in eight communes of Chile, using the snowball technique, where 101 PHW and local authorities were recruited. Semi-structured interviews and focal groups were conducted, achieving information saturation. Results. The findings were grouped into two major thematic axes: 1. Technical and administrative difficulties, and 2. Perception of cultural barriers. According to the PHW, although regulations have been established and health care strategies have been generated for the migrant population, these are mostly not stable or known to all PHW. They are also not easy to implement in the various realities investigated. The absence of records on the number of migrants accessing the health system makes it difficult to design specific interventions. Additionally, health care has complications, and the PHW do not necessarily have tools that allow them to provide a care that is culturally sensitive to the needs of the migrant community. Conclusions. The findings put into question the new  challenges in health that Chile is facing in the face of the growing migrant population. The needs perceived by PHW are: stability and clarity in the regulations in force in relation to access and provision of services, training in regulations and the concrete way in which they should operate, and sensitization in cultural competence.

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Author Biographies

  • Margarita Bernales, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo. Santiago, Chile. Psicóloga, PhD en Salud Comunitaria

    Programa de Estudios Sociales en Salud.

    Escuela de Enfermería, Facultad de Medicina Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile.

    Profesor Asistente

  • Báltica Cabieses, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo. Santiago, Chile Department of Health Sciences, University of York. York, England, UK. enfermera-matrona, PhD Health Sciences (Social Epidemiology).

    Programa de Estudios Sociales en Salud.

    Escuela de Enfermería, Facultad de Medicina Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile.

    Profesor Titular

  • Ana María McIntyre, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo. Santiago, Chile. tecnólogo médico, MSc Psicología de la Salud.

    Programa de Estudios Sociales en Salud.

    Escuela de Enfermería, Facultad de Medicina Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile.

    Docente Instructor

  • Macarena Chepo, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo. Santiago, Chile. enfermera, matrona

    Programa de Estudios Sociales en Salud.

    Escuela de Enfermería, Facultad de Medicina Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile.

    Docente Instructor

Published

2017-06-28

Issue

Section

Original Article

How to Cite

1.
Bernales M, Cabieses B, McIntyre AM, Chepo M. Challenges in the health care of international migrants in Chile. Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica [Internet]. 2017 Jun. 28 [cited 2024 Mar. 28];34(2):167-75. Available from: https://rpmesp.ins.gob.pe/index.php/rpmesp/article/view/2510