Challenges in Providing Medical Care for Undocumented Migrants in Denmark
Author Information
Author(s): Natasja K Jensen, Marie Norredam, Tania Draebel, Marija Bogic, Stefan Priebe, Allan Krasnik
Primary Institution: Danish Research Centre for Migration, Health and Ethnicity, University of Copenhagen
Hypothesis
How do health professionals navigate the challenges of providing treatment for undocumented migrants in the Danish health care system?
Conclusion
Health professionals report that undocumented migrants face unequal access to primary care and significant uncertainties exist regarding how to provide care.
Supporting Evidence
- Emergency room physicians reported no difference in treatment for undocumented migrants compared to other patients.
- General practitioners noted that undocumented migrants face formal barriers to accessing treatment.
- Language barriers complicate diagnosis and treatment for undocumented migrants.
- Health professionals expressed uncertainty about their obligations regarding undocumented migrants' care.
Takeaway
Doctors in Denmark find it hard to treat undocumented migrants because there are no clear rules, making it confusing for them and the patients.
Methodology
The study involved 12 semi-structured interviews with general practitioners and emergency room physicians in Denmark.
Potential Biases
Health professionals may have provided socially desirable responses regarding their treatment of undocumented migrants.
Limitations
The study only included health professionals from urban areas with high immigrant populations, which may not represent all health professionals in Denmark.
Participant Demographics
Nine out of 12 participants were women; two were immigrants, and the rest were of Danish origin.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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