This work package focuses on the generation of qualitative data both with asylum seekers and providers of services. The qualitative analysis will help identify modifiable constraints and facilitators in the access of asylum seekers to essential healthcare services. The analysis will also help describe regional health system structures, leading to an understanding of the current system response to healthcare needs in various settings.

Qualitative research from the perspective of asylum seekers will be conducted out using semi-structured interviews. These will be carried out with individuals from several relevant settings: reception centres, accommodation centres in regional districts, GP practices, ambulatory care services and psychosocial centres. The object of the research is the “patient journey” of participants: their experiences with health services they have received from the time they arrived in Germany up to the placement in regional districts. Various important aspects, such as the perceived barriers to care and distribution of resources, will addressed in particular.

The perspective of providers will be obtained through semi-structured interviews with physicians in practices and regional public health offices. The interviews will focus on the experience of providers in providing healthcare for asylum seekers. Research questions will be will relate to experiences on three levels: the doctor-patient interaction, the immediate workplace setting and the context of national and international regulatory frameworks.