Older Chinese migrants' experiences of remote primary care in England: interview study.

Abstract

Background: Over the past decade, remote (non-face-to-face) services are being increasingly used in primary care, including interactions through telephone and online platforms. These services bring potential benefits as well as potential barriers for patients. Older migrants are a population that could face intersectional barriers when accessing healthcare; it is important to understand the impact of remote services on them.

Aim: This study explores older Chinese migrants' experiences of and attitudes to primary care access through remote services.

Design & setting: This is a qualitative interview study. Participants were self-identified ethnically Chinese individuals over 60 years old, recruitment was carried out through community organisations, social media, and snowballing in 2023.

Method: Participants were purposively sampled for maximum variation in socio-demographics and backgrounds. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews in English and Mandarin. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim; where recording was not consented to, field notes were taken. Transcripts and field notes were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results were shared with participants for verification.

Results: Nineteen participants were interviewed. Many technical and practical barriers exist for the participants when accessing remote primary care. Due to the different levels of access to resources, these barriers impact the most disadvantaged people the most. In addition, participants feel the need for in-person interactions to address concerns and believe remote services should not replace in-person care.

Conclusions: Overall, older Chinese migrants feel few benefits from using remote primary care services. In the current digital context of the NHS, it is crucial to keep multimodal services available while rolling out new service modes and consider the needs of different populations to ensure equity in access.