The University of Birmingham has published a report into Doctors Of The World’s casework, proving significant unmet healthcare needs and an evident digital divide in migrant patients during the first wave of the pandemic.
The Institute for Research into Superdiversity used DOTW’s anonymised service users’ requests to evidence considerable healthcare needs amongst migrants with insecure immigration status.
Key findings from the report
The average number of consultations per month dropped drastically from approximately 170 before the pandemic to 50 during the pandemic
Service users were much more likely to find themselves in inadequate housing
Significant barriers to GP registration remained
Percentage of undocumented service users decreased, while the percentage of asylum seekers increased.
There was a significant increase in service users reporting ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’ health
The study strongly highlights how vulnerable patients, who should have been amongst the groups receiving enhanced protection and support throughout the pandemic, were excluded from or unable to access mainstream healthcare provision.
At a time when many services (including healthcare) switched to a digital provision due to the pandemic, the research seems to demonstrate that not enough provisions were made to provide an alternative to digital services to people who often experience or suffer from the digital divide.
The report calls on policy makers and service providers to ensure:
All migrants, asylum seeker and refugees can access the healthcare services they are entitled to, especially GP registration
Some face to face provision of services is reinstated and alternatives to accessing online registration are made available
Providers of initial and contingency (hotel) accommodation for asylum seekers provide information and support to access NHS services
GP surgeries continue to register new patients throughout the pandemic
Wifi or data is provided for people living in poverty so that they are not excluded from services as they move online
The report is available to read below:
