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Bali AG, Vasilevski V, Sweet L. Barriers and facilitators of access to maternity care for African-born women living in Australia: a meta-synthesis of qualitative evidence. Syst Rev 2024; 13:215. [PMID: 39123244 PMCID: PMC11312702 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-024-02628-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse perinatal health outcomes are notably high among African-born women living in Australia. This problem is partly attributed to their lower engagement in maternity care services as compared to Australian-born women. Various barriers might limit African-born women's access to and use of services; however, these barriers are not well documented. Therefore, this review aimed to synthesise current qualitative evidence on barriers and facilitators of access to maternity care for African-born women living in Australia. METHODS The search was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsychInfo, and Maternity and Infant Care databases on 16 April 2023. All articles retrieved were meticulously screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers with any disagreements resolved through discussion. The quality of the included articles was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Studies were screened in Covidence and analysed in NVivo. The findings were organised and presented using Levesque's framework of healthcare access. RESULTS Out of 558 identified papers, 11 studies comprising a total of 472 participants met the eligibility criteria. The review highlighted provider-side barriers such as shortage of information, unmet cultural needs, long waiting times, low engagement of women in care, discrimination, and lack of continuity of care. User-side barriers identified include communication issues, difficulty navigating the health system, and lack of trustful relationships with healthcare providers. In contrast, the review pinpointed provider-side facilitators including positive staff attitudes, service availability, and the proximity of facilities to residential homes, while user-side facilitators such as cultural assimilation and feeling valued by healthcare providers were noted. CONCLUSIONS This review identified barriers and facilitators of access to maternity care for African-born women living in Australia. Empirical evidence that would inform potential changes to policy and practice to address African-born women's unique health needs was highlighted. Designing and implementing a culturally safe service delivery model could remove the identified access barriers and improve African-born women's engagement in maternity care. Moreover, reinforcing factors associated with positive healthcare experiences is essential for improving maternity care access for this priority population. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42023405458.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayele Geleto Bali
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute for Health Transformation, Western Health Partnership, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Vidanka Vasilevski
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute for Health Transformation, Western Health Partnership, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Linda Sweet
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute for Health Transformation, Western Health Partnership, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Bacchi S, Kovoor JG, Goh R, Gupta AK, Tan S, Ovenden CD, To MS, Moey A, Sanders P, Chew DP, Schultz D, Kovoor P, Kleinig T, Jannes J. Pre-stroke anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation in primary English speakers and non-primary English speakers: a multicentre retrospective cohort study. Intern Med J 2024; 54:620-625. [PMID: 37860995 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anticoagulation can prevent most strokes in individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF); however, many people presenting with stroke and known AF are not anticoagulated. Language barriers and poor health literacy have previously been associated with decreased patient medication adherence. The association between language barriers and initiation of anticoagulation therapy for AF is uncertain. AIMS The aims of this study were to determine whether demographic factors, including non-English primary language, were (1) associated with not being initiated on anticoagulation for known AF prior to admission with stroke, and (2) associated with non-adherence to anticoagulation in the setting of known AF prior to admission with stroke. METHODS A multicentre retrospective cohort study was conducted for consecutive individuals admitted to the three South Australian tertiary hospitals with stroke units over a 5-year period. RESULTS There were 6829 individuals admitted with stroke. These cases included 5835 ischaemic stroke patients, 1333 of whom had pre-existing AF. Only 40.0% presenting with ischaemic stroke in the setting of known pre-existing AF were anticoagulated. When controlling for demographics, socioeconomic status and past medical history (including the components of the CHADS2VASC score and anticoagulation contraindications), having a primary language other than English was associated with a lower likelihood of having been commenced on anticoagulant for known pre-stroke AF (odds ratio: 0.52, 95% confidence interval: 0.36-0.77, P = 0.001), but was not associated with a differing likelihood of anticoagulation adherence. CONCLUSIONS A significant proportion of patients with stroke have pre-existing unanticoagulated AF; these rates are substantially higher if the primary language is other than English. Targeted research and interventions to minimise evidence-treatment gaps in this cohort may significantly reduce stroke burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Bacchi
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Joshua G Kovoor
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rudy Goh
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Lyell McEwin Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Aashray K Gupta
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sheryn Tan
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Christopher D Ovenden
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Minh-Son To
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew Moey
- Lyell McEwin Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Prashanthan Sanders
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Derek P Chew
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David Schultz
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Pramesh Kovoor
- Westmead Private Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Timothy Kleinig
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jim Jannes
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Khatri RB, Assefa Y. Drivers of the Australian Health System towards Health Care for All: A Scoping Review and Qualitative Synthesis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:6648138. [PMID: 37901893 PMCID: PMC10611547 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6648138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Background Australia has made significant progress towards universal access to primary health care (PHC) services. However, disparities in the utilisation of health services and health status remain challenges in achieving the global target of universal health coverage (UHC). This scoping review aimed at synthesizing the drivers of PHC services towards UHC in Australia. Methods We conducted a scoping review of the literature published from 1 January 2010 to 30 July 2021 in three databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Search terms were identified under four themes: health services, Australia, UHC, and successes or challenges. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. Drivers (facilitators and barriers) of PHC services were explained by employing a multilevel framework that included the proximal level (at the level of users and providers), intermediate level (organisational and community level), and distal level (macrosystem or distal/structural level). Results A total of 114 studies were included in the review. Australia has recorded several successes in increased utilisation of PHC services, resulting in an overall improvement in health status. However, challenges remain in poor access and high unmet needs of health services among disadvantaged/priority populations (e.g., immigrants and Indigenous groups), those with chronic illnesses (multiple chronic conditions), and those living in rural and remote areas. Several drivers have contributed in access to and utilisation of health services (especially among priority populations)operating at multilevel health systems, such as proximal level drivers (health literacy, users' language, access to health facilities, providers' behaviours, quantity and competency of health workforce, and service provision at health facilities), intermediate drivers (community engagement, health programs, planning and monitoring, and funding), and distal (structural) drivers (socioeconomic disparities and discriminations). Conclusion Australia has had several successes towards UHC. However, access to health services poses significant challenges among specific priority populations and rural residents. To achieve universality and equity of health services, health system efforts (supply- and demand-side policies, programs and service interventions) are required to be implemented in multilevel health systems. Implementation of targeted health policy and program approaches are needed to provide comprehensive PHC and address the effects of structural disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Resham B. Khatri
- Health Social Science and Development Research Institute, Kathmandu, Nepal
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Yibeltal Assefa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Phiri GG, Muge-Sugutt J, Porock D. Palliative and End-of-Life Care Access for Immigrants Living in High-income Countries: A Scoping Review. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2023; 9:23337214231213172. [PMID: 38026093 PMCID: PMC10666706 DOI: 10.1177/23337214231213172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This scoping review aimed to explore what is known about palliative and End-of-Life (EOL) care access by immigrants with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background living in high-income Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. CaLD immigrants have low utilization of palliative care services with patients' family members taking up the role of caring, leading to immigrants not fully benefiting from the specialized services that are offered to alleviate suffering and promote quality of life. While there is some research in this area mainly in Europe, it cannot be said about all high-income OECD countries. Achieving person-centered care in high-income countries, requires identifying and addressing barriers to care access, especially by immigrants with CaLD background. Five-stage methodological framework by Arksey and O'Malley was used to undertake the review. Immigrants in OECD countries experience challenges in accessing palliative and EOL care services. The review also identified limited literature on the subject and establishes need for more research on the subject.
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Mistry SK, Harris E, Harris MF. Scoping the needs, roles and implementation of bilingual community navigators in general practice settings. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e5495-e5505. [PMID: 36004646 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This research aimed to explore the needs, potential roles and implementation of Bilingual Community Navigators (BCNs) in providing navigation support for patients in general practice settings in Australia. A total of 19 participants (general practitioners, practice managers, practice nurses and receptionists) from five general practices in Sydney where most of the patients spoke a language other than English were interviewed about their views on needs, potential roles and implementation of BCNs in general practice settings. Data were collected between August 2019 and July 2020. The interview transcripts were inductively analysed for themes. Themes emerged across four broad categories: patients' barriers to access health and social care services; potential roles of BCNs; recruitment, training, and employment of BCNs and considerations and anticipated barriers to BCNs' role. Many barriers both at the patient and at the service provider levels in accessing healthcare and social care services were consistent with the Levesque et al. access framework including lack of understanding of the health system, language and cultural barriers, hesitancy to approach general practice and problems navigating services. Participants believed that BCNs would be able to help overcome these barriers through health education, support in booking appointments, arranging transport, providing language and cultural support and improving communication with the health services. Conditions for effective implementation of BCNs in practice included proper training of the navigators to ensure patient confidentiality and addressing organisational/system barriers such as lack of a funding mechanism, a clear role definition of BCNs and acceptance of BCNs by patients. BCNs potential role in facilitating access to appropriate care by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients in general practice warrants further evaluation in the context of the Australian healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabuj Kanti Mistry
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Harris
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark F Harris
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Khatri RB, Assefa Y. Access to health services among culturally and linguistically diverse populations in the Australian universal health care system: issues and challenges. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:880. [PMID: 35505307 PMCID: PMC9063872 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13256-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background About half of first- or second-generation Australians are born overseas, and one-in-five speak English as their second language at home which often are referred to as Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) populations. These people have varied health needs and face several barriers in accessing health services. Nevertheless, there are limited studies that synthesised these challenges. This study aimed to explore issues and challenges in accessing health services among CALD populations in Australia. Methods We conducted a scoping review of the literature published from 1st January 1970 to 30th October 2021 in four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Web of Science. The search strategy was developed around CALD populations and the health services within the Australian context. We used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines for selection and Arksey and O’Malley framework for analysis of relevant articles. A narrative synthesis of data was conducted using inductive thematic analysis approach. Identified issues and challenges were described using an adapted socioecological model. Results A total of 64 studies were included in the final review. Several challenges at various levels were identified to influence access to health services utilisation. Individual and family level challenges were related to interacting social and health conditions, poor health literacy, multimorbidity, diminishing healthy migrants’ effect. Community and organisational level challenges were acculturation leading to unhealthy food behaviours and lifestyles, language and communication problems, inadequate interpretation services, and poor cultural competency of providers. Finally, challenges at systems and policy levels included multiple structural disadvantages and vulnerabilities, inadequate health systems and services to address the needs of CALD populations. Conclusions People from CALD backgrounds have multiple interacting social factors and diseases, low access to health services, and face challenges in the multilevel health and social systems. Health systems and services need to focus on treating multimorbidity through culturally appropriate health interventions that can effectively prevent and control diseases. Existing health services can be strengthened by ensuring multilingual health resources and onsite interpreters. Addressing structural challenges needs a holistic policy intervention such as improving social determinants of health (e.g., improving living and working conditions and reducing socioeconomic disparities) of CALD populations, which requires a high level political commitment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13256-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Resham B Khatri
- School of Public Health, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Yibeltal Assefa
- School of Public Health, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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