Immigration, barriers to healthcare and transnational ties: A case study of South Korean immigrants in Toronto, Canada

The War on Language: Providing Culturally Appropriate Care to Syrian Refugees

“…The language barrier is a well-known issue in providing effective health care, and one that is especially relevant in the wake of welcoming the Syrian refugees [8]. Language barriers are experienced by both new and long-term immigrants due to difficulty in describing symptoms using the English language, as well as understanding English instructions from the physician [8].…”

“…Language barriers are experienced by both new and long-term immigrants due to difficulty in describing symptoms using the English language, as well as understanding English instructions from the physician [8]. These difficulties may cause delays in accessing health promotion programs, such as getting the flu shot [8], and can also lower odds of contacting a variety of health care providers, such as an optometrist [7,9].…”

“…Language barriers are experienced by both new and long-term immigrants due to difficulty in describing symptoms using the English language, as well as understanding English instructions from the physician [8]. These difficulties may cause delays in accessing health promotion programs, such as getting the flu shot [8], and can also lower odds of contacting a variety of health care providers, such as an optometrist [7,9]. Recent immigration contributes to a more pronounced reduction in Canadian immigrants initially accessing care due to communication difficulties, but language continues to be detrimental to health care delivery even after care is sought [9].…”

“…A study by Wang and Kwak (2014) identified transnational care seeking in a number of South Korean immigrants in Toronto, Ontario. Study participants preferred to access Korean-speaking family physicians through transnational ties due to shorter wait times, personal health beliefs, treatment expectations, and the availability of health insurance and services [8].…”

“…A study by Wang and Kwak (2014) identified transnational care seeking in a number of South Korean immigrants in Toronto, Ontario. Study participants preferred to access Korean-speaking family physicians through transnational ties due to shorter wait times, personal health beliefs, treatment expectations, and the availability of health insurance and services [8]. Participants discussed the most significant problem being the long wait time for diagnosis, treatment, and operation in Canada versus same-day service offered in South Korea [8].…”