Immigrant Children Health Service Utilization: Scoping Review
Alamäki, Mikko (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024121937629
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024121937629
Tiivistelmä
The objective of this thesis is to explore the health service utilization of immigrant children, addressing gaps and disparities in healthcare access and use globally, with recommendations into the Finnish context. This study benefits public healthcare providers in Finland by highlighting areas for improvement and offering evidence-based strategies to address the unique needs of immigrant populations, particularly children. The work of this thesis supports the broader goal of equitable healthcare for all, especially in Finland. This thesis followed the principles of free for all open science.
The development task focused on identifying barriers and facilitators to healthcare access, analyzing themes of service utilization disparities, and proposing actionable recommendations for Finland’s public healthcare system. The study utilized Yang & Hwang (2016) theoretical framework, which integrates health needs, resources, predisposing factors, and macrostructural conditions influencing health service utilization.
A scoping review methodology was utilized to map key concepts and evidence. Twelve studies conducted in high-income countries were analyzed, providing insights relevant to Finland’s healthcare system. Key findings indicate significant disparities in healthcare utilization, including underuse of preventive services and overreliance on emergency care. Systemic barriers such as language proficiency, socioeconomic challenges, cultural differences, and inadequate awareness of services were identified. The findings also highlight a lack of Finland-specific research on pediatric immigrant healthcare, underscoring the urgency for targeted interventions.
The analysis concludes that improving cultural competence among healthcare providers, enhancing language support services, and adapting public health policies to address immigrant-specific needs can significantly improve healthcare outcomes for immigrant children. These recommendations support providing inclusive and equitable healthcare services in Finland.
The development task focused on identifying barriers and facilitators to healthcare access, analyzing themes of service utilization disparities, and proposing actionable recommendations for Finland’s public healthcare system. The study utilized Yang & Hwang (2016) theoretical framework, which integrates health needs, resources, predisposing factors, and macrostructural conditions influencing health service utilization.
A scoping review methodology was utilized to map key concepts and evidence. Twelve studies conducted in high-income countries were analyzed, providing insights relevant to Finland’s healthcare system. Key findings indicate significant disparities in healthcare utilization, including underuse of preventive services and overreliance on emergency care. Systemic barriers such as language proficiency, socioeconomic challenges, cultural differences, and inadequate awareness of services were identified. The findings also highlight a lack of Finland-specific research on pediatric immigrant healthcare, underscoring the urgency for targeted interventions.
The analysis concludes that improving cultural competence among healthcare providers, enhancing language support services, and adapting public health policies to address immigrant-specific needs can significantly improve healthcare outcomes for immigrant children. These recommendations support providing inclusive and equitable healthcare services in Finland.