[Community Nursing for people with a migration biography: a qualitative study]

Community Nursing for people with a migration biography: a qualitative study Abstract: Background: People with a migration background or with special socio-cultural needs have difficult access to health services or are affected by overuse, underuse or misuse. Community Nursing (CN), which was implemented in March 2022 in a district in Austria, can strengthen health literacy and promote individual well-being. Aim: The aim was to obtain information about perception and use of CN services by people with a migration biography and to identify adequate measures to promote increased use. Methods: In March 2023, two focus group interviews with stakeholders and people with a migration biography regarding the use of the CN service were conducted, analyzed and validated in workshops in a municipality in Vorarlberg. Results: Diverse barriers (lack of language skills, lack of knowledge about own insurance coverage, lack of information, emotional inhibiting factors such as fear, shame and reservations about care services) were identified. The jointly developed solutions for a low-threshold offer range from the use of key persons, and health counseling in meeting cafés, to a targeted information strategy. Conclusions: A successful CN service requires a comprehensive implementation strategy and needs-based measures. The identified barriers, fears, and reservations should be considered to facilitate access to CN for people with a migration background.