Who seeks care and for what reasons at a nurse‐led walk‐in center in an immigrant‐dense area—A quantitative survey

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo describe who seeks care and for what reasons at a nurse‐led primary healthcare walk‐in center in an immigrant‐dense area. Studies evaluating the use of nurse‐led walk‐in centers in primary healthcare, emphasizing migrants, are limited. Due to language difficulties and a healthcare system based on telephone consultations, access to care is limited/problematic for the care seeker and the healthcare provider. The center aims to provide migrants and Swedish‐born persons equal access to primary healthcare. Care was integrated into a healthcare center with a multi‐professional environment, offering Arabic and Somali interpreters.DesignCross‐sectional descriptive registry study.SampleAll consecutive patients visiting during 1‐month.ResultsMost individuals (70%) seeking care at the nurse‐led walk‐in center were non‐European migrants from Syria, Iraq and Somalia, but Swedish‐born persons (30%) also consulted the clinic. Women, middle‐aged, and lower‐educated patients dominated. Reasons for seeking care included different kinds of pain, ear/nose/throat issues, and skin problems. Migrants prioritized non‐specific pain and dizziness/headaches, while Swedes sought help primarily for upper respiratory tract infections. About 25% of the migrants needed interpreters, mostly females.ConclusionThe nurse‐led walk‐in center provides accessible care in a multi‐professional team, if needed, serving migrants and Swedish‐born persons, promoting equal healthcare for all.