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Experience of skin disease and relationships with healthcare providers: a qualitative study of Traveller women in Ireland
Author(s) -
Gilhooley E.,
Daly S.,
Gallagher O.,
Glacken M.,
McKenna D.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/bjd.17697
Subject(s) - focus group , health literacy , thematic analysis , health care , qualitative research , ethnic group , competence (human resources) , medicine , health promotion , nursing , cultural competence , population , health equity , psychology , family medicine , social psychology , public health , sociology , environmental health , political science , social science , pedagogy , anthropology , law
Summary Background Significant health disparities exist between members of the Travelling community and those of the general population. Barriers to Traveller engagement with health services include the experience or perception of discrimination, and cultural and health literacy barriers. Experience of skin disease and interactions with healthcare providers has not been widely explored in this ethnic minority. The formation of positive relationships between the Travelling community and healthcare providers is important in the promotion of treatment adherence and improving health outcomes. Objectives To investigate Travellers’ experience of skin disease and their relationships with healthcare providers. Methods Focus groups were conducted with a purposive sample of female members of the Irish Travelling community with experience of skin health issues, between January 2018 and April 2018. Three focus groups were conducted at three separate locations with 10 participants in each group. Themes were identified from the focus group transcripts using an inductive thematic analysis framework. Results Emergent themes surrounding relationships between Travellers and healthcare providers included health literacy, discrimination, information inconsistency, trust and communication. Factors that were valued in the creation of positive relationships included an appreciation of varying degrees of health literacy, the provision of sufficient information tailored to an individual's needs and a demonstration of cultural competence. Conclusions Dermatologists are well placed to provide practical, customized, treatment guidance and engage patients while integrating their culturally based beliefs.