Accessibility of health care experienced by persons with dementia from ethnic minority groups and (in)formal caregivers: A scoping review

BACKGROUND: the number of persons with dementia from ethnic minority backgrounds is increasing. However, ethnic minority groups use health care services less frequently compared to non-migrants. METHOD: We conducted a scoping review and used the theoretical framework developed by Levesque to provide an overview of the literature concerning access to health care for ethnic minority people with dementia and (in)formal caregivers. Our search strategy identified 28 empirical studies in the period 2008-2019. RESULT: Studies mentioned barriers in (1) the ability to perceive a need for care in terms of health literacy, health beliefs and trust and expectations; (2) the ability to seek care because of personal and social values and the lack of knowledge regarding health care options; (3) lack of person-centered care as barrier to continue with professional health care. Studies also mentioned barriers experienced by professionals in (1) communication with ethnic minorities and knowledge about available resources for professionals; (2) cultural and social factors influencing the professionals' attitudes towards ethnic minorities; (3) the appropriateness of care and lacking competencies to work with people with dementia from ethnic minority groups and informal caregivers. CONCLUSION: Ethnic minority people with dementia and informal caregivers may benefit from improve their abilities to access health care. Health care professionals need to strengthen their competencies in order to facilitate access to health care for this group.