PRIMARY HEALTHCARE ACCESSIBILITY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF MIGRANTS AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the discourses and experiences regarding the perception of accessibility to primary healthcare from the perspective of international migrants and healthcare professionals in Antofagasta, northern Chile. Material and Method: A qualitative approach study with a descriptive phenomenological design, the sample consisted of 14 participants from the city of Antofagasta in the year 2021: 7 international migrants and 7 primary healthcare professionals. Non-probability sampling was used. The snowball method was used to select participants through seed participants. Results: The categories expressed by the migrants were: 1) Timely accessibility with the sub-dimensions: system elements and user elements; 2) Perceived hazards; 3) Discrimination with the sub-dimensions: user service and availability of services; 4) Information availability. From the health professionals’ perspective, the categories were: 1) Timely accessibility; 2) Perceived hazards; 3) Health facilitators. Conclusion: There is a gap between the migrant population and healthcare professionals, which hinders optimal care and accessibility. This is attributed to lack of training, limited resources and awareness.