Erik Teunissen1, Alexandra Tsaparas1, Aristoula Saridaki2, Maria Trigoni2, Evelyn van Weel-Baumgarten1, Chris van Weel1,3, Maria van den Muijsenbergh1,4, Christos Lionis2. 1. a Department of Primary and Community Care , Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen , the Netherlands ; 2. b Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine , University of Crete , Heraklion , Greece ; 3. d Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute, Australian National University , Canberra , Australia. 4. c Pharos, Centre of Expertise for Health Disparities , Utrecht , the Netherlands ;
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mental health problems are highly prevalent amongst undocumented migrants (UMs), and often part of their consultations with general practitioners (GPs). Little empirical data are available of how GPs and UMs engage around mental health in Greece, a country with a lack of balance between primary and secondary care and limited healthcare provisions for UMs. OBJECTIVES: To acquire insight in the barriers and levers in the provision of mental healthcare for UMs by GPs in Greece. METHODS: This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 12 GPs in Crete, Greece with clinical expertise in the care of UMs. All interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim and were analysed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Greek GPs recognized many mental health problems in UMs and identified the barriers that prevented them from discussing these problems and delivering appropriate care: growing societal resistance towards UMs, budget cuts in healthcare, administrative obstacles and lack of support from the healthcare system. To overcome these barriers, Greek GPs provided UMs with free access to care and psychotropic drugs free of charge, and referred to other primary care professionals rather than to mental healthcare institutions. CONCLUSION: Greek GPs experienced substantial barriers in the provision of mental healthcare to UMs and political, economic and organizational factors played a major role.
BACKGROUND: Mental health problems are highly prevalent amongst undocumented migrants (UMs), and often part of their consultations with general practitioners (GPs). Little empirical data are available of how GPs and UMs engage around mental health in Greece, a country with a lack of balance between primary and secondary care and limited healthcare provisions for UMs. OBJECTIVES: To acquire insight in the barriers and levers in the provision of mental healthcare for UMs by GPs in Greece. METHODS: This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 12 GPs in Crete, Greece with clinical expertise in the care of UMs. All interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim and were analysed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Greek GPs recognized many mental health problems in UMs and identified the barriers that prevented them from discussing these problems and delivering appropriate care: growing societal resistance towards UMs, budget cuts in healthcare, administrative obstacles and lack of support from the healthcare system. To overcome these barriers, Greek GPs provided UMs with free access to care and psychotropic drugs free of charge, and referred to other primary care professionals rather than to mental healthcare institutions. CONCLUSION: Greek GPs experienced substantial barriers in the provision of mental healthcare to UMs and political, economic and organizational factors played a major role.
Keywords:
Greece; Psychological problems; gender and diversity; general practice/family medicine; immigrants; irregular migrants; mental health
Authors: Maria Papadakaki; Christos Lionis; Aristoula Saridaki; Christopher Dowrick; Tomas de Brún; Mary O'Reilly-de Brún; Catherine A O'Donnell; Nicola Burns; Evelyn van Weel-Baumgarten; Maria van den Muijsenbergh; Wolfgang Spiegel; Anne MacFarlane Journal: Eur J Gen Pract Date: 2017-12 Impact factor: 1.904
Authors: Christos Lionis; Emmanouil K Symvoulakis; Adelais Markaki; Elena Petelos; Sophia Papadakis; Dimitra Sifaki-Pistolla; Maria Papadakakis; Kyriakos Souliotis; Chariklia Tziraki Journal: Prim Health Care Res Dev Date: 2019-07-25 Impact factor: 1.458