Experiences of Providers and Immigrants/Refugees with Health Care: A Meta-Synthesis of the Latin American Context

Abstract

The experiences of providers and immigrants/refugees related to healthcare in the Latin American context have not yet been aggregated. This study aimed to synthesize the qualitative evidence on this theme. A systematic review of qualitative evidence with meta-synthesis. After identification, eligible studies were evaluated for methodological quality, and information was systematically analyzed. The sample comprised 26 articles. The meta-theme shows that the experiences of providers and immigrants/refugees are determined by multilevel factors. In a macro-context, these factors involve the vulnerabilities of immigrants/refugees and the healthcare system/model, and in a closer context, they involve the lack of professional training in cultural skills and communication; language barriers; and prejudice/xenophobia. Within healthcare, the relationship is mostly conflictual, asymmetric, and unable to solve problems, leading to negative repercussions for both. Managers involved in developing public policies and providers must consider improving the interrelationship between healthcare services and the migrant population.