As I mentioned in my previous blog, I wanted to understand the challenges immigrants are facing while accessing health care services in Spain, the reasons why there are inequities between this population and the native Spanish and if there are any ways to improve health care access for immigrants. Spanish National Health Service was characterized by universal access handling all residents under the same conditions (including irregular immigrants). But, as I delved deeper into the readings, it was brought to my attention that there were two major events: the economic crisis in 2008, that led to drastic cuts to public healthcare spending, and the implementation in July 2012 of a new Royal Decree Law (RD Law 16/22), which only gave access to emergency services and maternity services to irregular immigrants (only those aged 18 and above).
It would be maybe practical to conduct a qualitative study, with questionnaires and open-ended interviews, with both immigrants and healthcare professionals. On the one hand, we could have an idea about the way immigrants perceive their health, the way they feel when accessing healthcare services and the challenges they face. On the other hand, we could also understand the challenges faced by healthcare providers when dealing with immigrant patients and the way they perceive them. Raising awareness, educating, and training both could positively impact immigrants´ healthcare access.
Comments
Hi Mouna
Great that you’ve cracked the blog, I can see both! You’ve got some really useful references that will help you design your research proposal poster. Your ideas are really starting to take shape and in your first paragraph – I wanted to understand the challenges immigrants are facing while accessing health care services in Spain, the reasons why there are inequities between this population and the native Spanish and if there are any ways to improve health care access for immigrants – you are very clear in what you want to do (this could easily be turned into you study aim and research objectives/questions). The historical context is great for your background section and the research methods you are proposing are sensible. But, bear in mind what you decide to do has to be practical and within the resources and time you would have to conduct your dissertation (if you decide to do one). You are definitely moving in the right direction and making great progress, well done!
Best wishes for the weekend
Fiona.