Caring for migrant women affected by sexual and gender-based violence: Experiences of healthcare providers in Europe and North America : A meta-synthesis

Abstract: Introduction: Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a violation against human rights with severe implications for the health of women globally. Migrant women may be exposed to a heightened risk of SGBV as well as obstacles that impair their ability to respond to violence and access care. The aim of this meta-synthesis is to explore healthcare providers’ perceptions and experiences of caring for migrant women affected by SGBV in North America and Europe, in order to identify facilitating factors and strategies used to overcome existing barriers to the provision of care. Methods: Systematic searches were conducted between February and April 2019 by using the databases PubMed, Scopus, Applied Social Sciences Index & Abstracts (ASSIA) and Proquest Social Science Premium Collection. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The ten studies included illustrate perceptions and experiences of healthcare providers from multiple professional backgrounds in the United States, Great Britain and Sweden. Three themes derived from the analysis; (a) Providing a patient-centred care; (b) Knowledge and training-key factors affecting screening and response; and (c) Working under psychologically demanding conditions. Conclusion: Healthcare providers address violence screening and response by adopting a patient-centred approach to care, facilitated by trust-building strategies and external support. However, barriers grounded in a lack of knowledge and training, underline a need of context specific guidelines and screening tools. Further, emotional distress and health issues bring attention to the importance of support mechanisms when caring for migrant women affected by SGBV.