Out of sight, out of mind? A qualitative study of patients’ perspectives on cross-border healthcare in a European border region

• Published in: Patient education and counseling 2021-10, Vol.104 (10), p.2559-2564
• Main Authors: Beuken, Juliëtte A., Bouwmans, Mara E.J., Verstegen, Daniëlle M.L., Dolmans, Diana H.J.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cross-border healthcare; European healthcare; Nursing; Patient involvement; Patient perspectives; Qualitative research
• ISSN: 0738-3991; 1873-5134
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.03.004

To improve our understanding of patients’ needs in cross-border healthcare, with a specific focus on handover. In this qualitative study, we conducted narrative interviews with 8 patients who had experienced cross-border healthcare, including handover. Based on an inductive analysis, we crafted stories representing participants’ perspectives. Crafted stories attend to the personal character of patients’ experiences. We crafted 3 stories relating patients’ cross-border healthcare pathways. We identified 3 recurring issues in these stories: (1) Patient involvement in the decision-making process regarding their healthcare; (2) Communication with their healthcare providers; and (3) Information throughout the healthcare process. The said issues, albeit no novelty in healthcare, seem to be amplified by cross-border barriers, such as system, language, and cultural differences. To empower patients to be involved in their own healthcare process, these issues should become a topic of conversation between patients and healthcare professionals. The patient stories in this article could help raise awareness among professionals and patients about the issues patients face in cross-border healthcare. Awareness is a first step in overcoming these issues. •Patients in cross-border healthcare experience issues concerning involvement, communication, and information.•Patients and healthcare professionals seem to be unaware of these issues and their possible implications for healthcare.•Deliberate communication efforts and adequate information provision are needed to empower patients in cross-border healthcare.•Patient stories can be used to foster awareness of these issues.