Work

‘There’s nothing you can do … it’s like that in Chinatown’: Chinese immigrant women’s perceptions of experiences in Chicago Chinatown healthcare settings

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: Chinese American women living in linguistically isolated communities are among the least likely to utilize healthcare services. Qualitative research methods can help identify health system vulnerability points to improve local healthcare delivery for this population.Design: We conducted 6 focus groups among 56 Chinese-speaking adult women in Chicago’s Chinatown between July and August 2014 to explore their perceptions of experiences receiving medical care and interacting with healthcare providers in Chinatown healthcare settings.Results: Health system/clinic infrastructure and patient–provider communications were perceived barriers to care at Chinatown healthcare settings. Chinese participants reported long wait times, difficulty scheduling appointments, and poor front desk customer service. Communication difficulties at Chinatown healthcare settings involved language barriers with non-Chinese-speaking providers, but consideration for healthcare providers, provider demeanor, and reliance on provider recommendation also hindered patient–provider communications.Conclusions: Findings improve understanding of barriers to care experienced by Chinese immigrant women in one urban Chinatown community.

Source: Ethnicity and Health

DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2019.1573973

Authors: Melissa A. Simon, Laura S. Tom, Shaneah Taylor, Ivy Leung, Dan Vicencio

Institutions: Northwestern University, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Mercy Hospital and Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Interpreting and Communication in Healthcare

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green