Refugee perceptions of quality of healthcare

The findings of a participatory assessment of Burundian and Rwandan refugee perceptions of the quality of health services in camps in Ngara, Tanzania is reported in a recent article in Disasters¹. Taking a beneficiary-centred approach, it examines a collaborative effort by several agencies to develop a generic field guide to analyse refugees' views of healthcare services.

Although the primary focus was on healthcare, several broader questions considered other general apprehensions that might influence the way refugees perceive their healthcare. Findings indicated that while refugees in Ngara were generally satisfied with the quality of healthcare provided and healthcare promotion activities, recognition of some key refugee concerns would assist healthcare providers in enhancing services. With increasing need for refugee community participation in evaluating humanitarian assistance, this assessment has relevance both in the context of Ngara and beyond.

¹Rutta E et al (2005). Refugee perceptions of the quality of healthcare: findings from a participatory assessment in Ngara, Tanzania. Disasters, volume 29 (4), pp 291-309.