Conceptualising difference: a qualitative study of physicians’ views on healthcare encounters with asylum seekers

Abstract

Concepts of difference at patient level resemble processes of 'othering' asylum seekers as a 'different patient group', while differences in rules, norms and practices in settings of medical care to asylum seekers create heterotopic spaces. Both appear to endanger the doctor-patient relationship and responsiveness of care, while an understanding of differences attributed to context seemed to foster a more caring approach. Training in contextual competence, sufficient physical and human resources and encouraging support between physicians working with asylum-seeking patients could counteract these processes.