Traveler experiences of accessing services

Background: Research has long focused on the barriers minoritised individuals face when accessing services, however little of this research has focused on the specific barriers faced by Gypsies, Romas and Travellers. The aim of this review was to explore the barriers and facilitators Gypsies, Roma and Travellers face when accessing healthcare services.

Method: A systematic literature search and meta-ethnographic synthesis of qualitative research focused on Traveller experiences of accessing services was undertaken. This review focused on eleven studies based in an array of health services.

Results: Five third order constructs were developed, consisting of 22 second constructs which were identified from the research. The findings from this review provide supporting evidence for the impact of discrimination in healthcare, appropriate communication means, developing trusting relationships with professionals, consideration of cultural identity and structural barriers and facilitators to services.

Limitations: The breadth of healthcare settings across papers may have contributed to a lack of depth for constructs. Participants in the papers selected were predominantly female, meaning there may have been gender bias in beliefs.
Implications: Structuring of services and wider use of outreach should be considered by services to remove barriers.