ArticleBMC health services research2024
Identifying gaps in healthcare: a qualitative study of Ukrainian refugee experiences in the German system, uncovering differences, information and support needs.
Article in BMC health services research, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 9 papers.
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Who cites it
9 citing papers in PubMed.
- A Multilingual Digital Microlearning Intervention for Oral Health in Refugee Shelters: Randomized Controlled Trial.Journal of medical Internet research · 2026Trial
- The Case for Peer-Support in Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Ukrainian Refugees in Europe.Journal of immigrant and minority health · 2026Article
- The potential of routine surveillance data for identifying the needs of people living with HIV among migrants: Description of German HIV notifications in the context of the Ukrainian refugee reception, 2022-2023.BMC public health · 2026Article
- Professional Practice of Ukrainian Doctors in Germany and Poland-Legal and Ethical Considerations.Health care analysis : HCA : journal of health philosophy and policy · 2025Article
- Perspectives of Refugees from Ukraine on Cultural Identity and Health Care Experiences During U.S. Resettlement.Nursing reports (Pavia, Italy) · 2025Article
- A qualitative study of adaptation challenges of Ukrainian refugees in the United States.Children and youth services review · 2025Article
- Identification of Health Needs in Ukrainian Refugees Seen in a Primary Care Facility in Tenerife, Spain.Nursing reports (Pavia, Italy) · 2025Article
- Barriers to healthcare access and continuity of care among Ukrainian war refugees in Europe: findings from the RefuHealthAccess study.Frontiers in public health · 2025Article
- Migration Challenges and Their Impact on the Primary Healthcare System-A Qualitative Research.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2024Article
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Abstract
backgroundThe 5.8 million Ukrainian refugees arriving in European countries must navigate varying healthcare systems and different and often unknown languages in their respective host countries. To date, there has been little exploration of the experiences, perceived differences, information and support needs of these refugees regarding the use of healthcare in Germany.
methodsWe conducted ten qualitative interviews with Ukrainian refugees living in Germany from February to May 2023, using Ukrainian, English and German language. The transcribed interviews were analysed using the qualitative content analysis method according to Kuckartz and Rädiker with the MAXQDA software.
resultsIn general, participants consistently had a positive experience of the German healthcare system, particularly regarding the quality of treatments and insurance. Differences have been reported in the structure of the healthcare systems. The Ukrainian healthcare system is divided into private and state sectors, with no mandatory insurance and frequent out-of-pocket payments. Pathways differ and tend to focus more on clinics and private doctors. General practitioners, often working in less well-equipped offices, have only recently gained prominence due to healthcare system reforms. Initiating contact with doctors is often easier, with much shorter waiting times compared to Germany. Interviewees often found the prescription requirements for many medications in Germany to be unusual. However, the mentioned differences in healthcare result in unmet information needs among the refugees, especially related to communication, navigating the healthcare system, health insurance, waiting times and medication access. These needs were often addressed through personal internet research and informal (social media) networks because of lacking official information provided during or after their arrival.
conclusionsDespite the positive experiences of Ukrainian refugees in the German healthcare system, differences in the systems and language barriers led to barriers using healthcare and information needs among refugees. The dissemination of information regarding characteristics of the German health care system is crucial for successful integration but is currently lacking.
trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00030942, date of registration: 29.12.2022.
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