Barriers and facilitators to access to healthcare among asylum seekers from Eritrea and Afghanistan in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland

Introduction: In the context of an upsurge in the number of asylum seekers arriving in Switzerland in 2015, caregivers encountered new issues.
Background: We lack local studies that simultaneously analyze asylum seekers’ experiences of the healthcare system and the perceptions of health professionals in contact with asylum seekers.
Objectives: To assess the health problems of this population in order to gain a better understanding of their specific needs and to implement best practice interventions in order to improve access to care and efficiency of care.
Methods: A qualitative study with twenty interviews, either one-to-one or in groups, with Eritrean and Afghan ASs, and three focus groups with registered nurses, interpreters, and emergency department professionals.
Results: The main results concern access to healthcare in the country of origin, expectations about the living conditions in Switzerland, the effects of migration on health, cultural beliefs on physical health and psychiatry, visits to the emergency department, reasons for missed appointments, and peer support.
Discussion: Information, trust, and time are the main issues identified to optimize access to care.
Conclusion: Our results allow for a better understanding of specific needs and health interventions for Afghan and Eritrean ASs. Recommendations for practice were issued.