The Experience of Staff Working in Migrants' Reception Project: Phenomenological Study in a Multicultural Context

Migrants and refugees belong to the most marginalized groups in the world. Barriers related to the determinants of health can often preclude access to basic human rights, and have a negative impact on health. Therefore, it is essential to understand how to properly interface with people with different perceptions of health and disease and how to design programs based on available resources.

To explore the experience of socio-health workers who work in the context of a reception project in Italy related to taking care of the health needs of a migrant population in a multicultural context.

This research was a qualitative phenomenological study with an interpretive approach adhering to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. The conversations were audio-recorded, transcribed, and read in depth. Reflexive analysis was used to analyze the data.

Sixteen health and social workers were interviewed. Three main themes were extracted: (1) nature of needs and their facets; (2) interconnection between skills and in relationships; (3) struggles against shortages. The results highlight the participants' attribution of meaning to the needs and requirements of migrants, their experience in the relationship with the team and the migrants, and the difficulties in carrying out their role.

What the study found underscores the importance of designing interventions that consider the unique perceptions and experiences of professionals who engage with migrants in daily practice. The complex health needs, experiences, and different cultural representations of health and illness must be read and approached with a culturally competent vision.

The study reveals how much the strengths of taking care of migrants' health lie in the ability to interconnect various competencies. This study gives elements for professionals and health organizations to understand the complexity of caring for the migrant population.