SRFP012: Barriers to Accessing Outpatient Pediatric Subspecialty Care for Immigrant Families
Narda Salinas, BS; Amanda Trevino; Sania Khan; Hilda Loria, MD, MPH
Context: In the United States, 1 in 4 children is foreign-born or lives with a parent who is foreign-born. In Dallas County, 15.7% of children are uninsured compared to the national average of 6%. Given complex eligibility criteria or fear of negative repercussions to immigration status, immigrant families may not enroll in affordable coverage even when their children are eligible. Immigrants to the US face several barriers to accessing primary care services including lack of insurance, difficulties navigating the healthcare system, and immigration policies. Access to primary care provides a gateway to obtaining referrals for specialty care. There is limited knowledge of barriers to access of subspecialty care for children of immigrant families. Objective: To identify barriers to accessing outpatient pediatric subspecialty care for uninsured and underinsured children in immigrant families. Study Design: Qualitative study utilizing focus group interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to develop representative themes and trends. Setting: Eligible participants were staff of community organizations that support immigrant families in Dallas, TX. Anticipated Results: We anticipate that participants from community organizations will describe documented barriers, such as lack of insurance and inexperience navigating US healthcare in addition to social determinants of health that restrict their ability to access necessary subspecialty care. Conclusions: Barriers to subspecialty care for children in immigrant families proliferate the North Texas medical community. Yet, community organizations understand the experiences of immigrant families and are well placed to secure agreements with healthcare systems and engage in advocacy within local government to facilitate care.
Jack Westfall
jwestfall@aafp.org 11/21/2021Terrific project. Great poster and abstract. Thanks for sharing at NAPCRG