Healthcare without barriers
Primary healthcare for European migrants who experience language and cultural barriers in their host countries can be challenging. RESTORE (Research into implementation strategies to support patients of different origins and language background in a variety of European primary care settings) is an EU-funded project that sought to optimise the delivery of healthcare to this sector of the population. Research focused on the implementation of evidence-based health information and interventions designed to address language and cultural barriers in primary care settings. How they were translated or failed to be translated into routine practice were looked into as were support implementation practices. The study used a combination of contemporary social theory, the Normalisation Process Theory and a participatory research methodology. Fieldwork was conducted in Ireland, England, the Netherlands, Austria and Greece. Additionally a comprehensive policy analysis was included by the Scottish team. Data generated helped to meet the objectives. These included determining the guidelines and/or training initiatives available in partner countries, the capacity of primary care settings, and the sustainability of initiatives. Results successfully produced a portfolio of 20 guidelines and training initiatives that have been designed to improve communication between migrants and their primary care providers. Dissemination included a publication strategy developed by the consortium for a number of academic articles. A project closing conference marked the final dissemination activity. Findings will be helpful for national governments and health systems, educators and research and community funders who share a focus on improving migrant health and primary care.
Keywords
Primary healthcare, RESTORE, migrants, contemporary social theory, Normalisation Process Theory
