Barriers Encountered by Migrant Farm Workers When Accessing Health Care Services in Canada: A Scoping Review

ObjectiveThis scoping review aims to examine and map existing literature about barriers encountered by migrant farm workers accessing health care services in Canada.MethodsThe search was conducted in multiple databases and grey literature. The PRISMA-ScR was used to document the inclusion and exclusion process. Two or more team members screened and reviewed all articles to ensure accuracy in capturing data.Synthesis380 records were screened by examining abstracts and titles, and 325 were deemed irrelevant. Of the remaining records, 55 had full-text assessments; 16 were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Thirty-nine articles were extracted. They represented a mix of qualitative and quantitative studies, reviews, and other forms of commentaries and analyses. The thematic analysis revealed barriers that affect migrant farm workers' access to Canadian health care services: (1) language and literacy challenges, (2) concern of medical repatriation, (3) lack of transportation, (4) barriers to timely care and medical follow-up, (5) restrictive work schedules, and (6) health care coverage issues.ConclusionThis review provides a synthesis of the barriers experienced by migrant farm workers when accessing Canadian health care services. Canadian health care policy experts and organizations where Canadian migrant farm workers seek care are encouraged to design and implement policies, practice changes and/or educational interventions to address these barriers. This review may also inform public health nursing programming to promote positive health outcomes in the migrant farm worker population.