This introductory literature review provides an overview of the phenomenon of migrants' temporary travels to their home country for the purpose of receiving medical care, often referred to as "transnational health care practices" (THCP). The review explores backgrounds and reasons behind migrants' travels for health care. The reasons for such medical travels vary and include factors such as affordability, availability of specific treatments, dissatisfaction with the host country's health system, perceived better quality of treatment in the home country, language barriers, and cultural preferences.
Additionally, the study discusses the role of social class as well as social integration and its relation with the use of transnational health care. The review concludes by highlighting the need for further research to explore the specific circumstances and experiences of different migrant groups and to develop better health care provision strategies in the host countries.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Methods
- 3 Results
- 3.1 Reasons for migrants' THCP
- 3.2 Research on specific aspects of transnational health care practices
- 4 Quality and ethics
- 5 Conclusions and further research
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This literature review examines the phenomenon of migrants traveling back to their home country to receive medical care, known as transnational health care practices (THCP). It explores the reasons behind this trend, the specific aspects of THCP, and the implications for health policy.
- The rise of THCP as a result of globalization and increasing migration patterns.
- The impact of affordability, availability, and perceived quality of healthcare on migrants' decisions.
- The role of social networks, cultural factors, and access to information in influencing THCP.
- The interplay of individual motivations and structural factors shaping migrants' healthcare choices.
- The need for understanding THCP for developing effective healthcare policies and services.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introductory chapter provides context by highlighting the growing number of migrants worldwide and their complex relationship with healthcare access in both their host and home countries. The review then examines the various factors motivating migrants to utilize THCP, including affordability, availability, perceived quality of care, and cultural considerations. Additionally, the chapter explores the significant role of social networks and the need to consider both individual and structural influences on THCP. The conclusion highlights the importance of understanding THCP for shaping effective healthcare policies and services.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This review focuses on key concepts related to migrants' transnational health care practices, such as affordability, availability, perceived quality of care, cultural factors, social networks, globalization, migration patterns, and healthcare policies.
- Citation du texte
- Lea Lösch (Auteur), 2018, Migrants’ transnational health care practices. An introductory review, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1361941
