Journal of General Practice Nursing (GPN) | September 2024

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Experiences of asylum seekers and refugees accessing primary care

Experiences of asylum seekers and refugees accessing primary care
Asylum seekers and refugees

Pages: 32 - 36

Article topics: Access to primary care, Barriers, Cultural and linguistic barriers

The amount of migration and people seeking asylum in the UK is increasing due to people leaving their country as a result of fear of persecution. There is a lack of knowledge regarding migrants’ rights to healthcare and barriers which exist trying to access this, including in the primary care setting. This literature review explored the experience of accessing services in the primary care setting from the viewpoint of asylum seekers and refuges (ASRs) and thematic analysis was conducted. The three themes identified were barriers to accessing primary care for ASRs, increased and inappropriate use of emergency services, and risks to public health. As it is a human right to seek asylum from persecution and receive appropriate healthcare in the host country, it is important that primary care is accessed by this population. This will help to prevent inappropriate attendance in emergency departments and promote seeking help before serious illness ensues. 
Primary care should provide compassionate and non-judgemental care to encourage a trusting relationship and promote
health-seeking behaviour.

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