Healthcare providers intentions to use an electronic personal health record for undocumented migrants: A qualitative exploration study in The Netherlands

Abstract

Electronic Personal Health Records (EPHRs) are potentially effective tools for improving the continuity and quality of care for migrants and refugees, and specifically for undocumented migrants (UDMs). However, little is known about the intention and preconditions of healthcare providers (HCPs) to use an EPHR for UDM in the Netherlands. Between April 2023 and June 2023, thirteen interviews, using a semi-structured topic guide, were conducted with Dutch HCPs. Open coding and axial coding were used for data coding, organised using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). HCPs reported a positive user intention towards using an EPHR for UDMs, coupled with a cautious optimism regarding UDMs’ willingness to use an EPHR. Actual usage was dependent on several preconditions: establishing trust among HCPs and UDMs in the EPHR, implementing a highly secure system to protect UDM’s sensitive data, giving UDMs control over their EPHR, and using approaches to minimise dual record keeping and developing a user-friendly system. An EPHR shows promise to enhance continuity of care and quality for UDMs in the Netherlands. However, an EPHR should not be a prerequisite for receiving medical care but rather a supportive element in the provision of care.

Keywords

• Electronic personal health record
• undocumented migrants
• health inequalities
• healthcare providers
• migration
• SDG3: Good health and well-being