Hjelm K, Hadziabdic E. Who seeks care and for what reasons at a nurse-led walk-in center in an immigrant-dense area-A quantitative survey.
Public Health Nurs 2024;
41:664-674. [PMID:
38716738 DOI:
10.1111/phn.13330]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To describe who seeks care and for what reasons at a nurse-led primary healthcare walk-in center in an immigrant-dense area. Studies evaluating the use of nurse-led walk-in centers in primary healthcare, emphasizing migrants, are limited. Due to language difficulties and a healthcare system based on telephone consultations, access to care is limited/problematic for the care seeker and the healthcare provider. The center aims to provide migrants and Swedish-born persons equal access to primary healthcare. Care was integrated into a healthcare center with a multi-professional environment, offering Arabic and Somali interpreters.
DESIGN
Cross-sectional descriptive registry study.
SAMPLE
All consecutive patients visiting during 1-month.
RESULTS
Most individuals (70%) seeking care at the nurse-led walk-in center were non-European migrants from Syria, Iraq and Somalia, but Swedish-born persons (30%) also consulted the clinic. Women, middle-aged, and lower-educated patients dominated. Reasons for seeking care included different kinds of pain, ear/nose/throat issues, and skin problems. Migrants prioritized non-specific pain and dizziness/headaches, while Swedes sought help primarily for upper respiratory tract infections. About 25% of the migrants needed interpreters, mostly females.
CONCLUSION
The nurse-led walk-in center provides accessible care in a multi-professional team, if needed, serving migrants and Swedish-born persons, promoting equal healthcare for all.
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