[The usability of information material for refugees. An exemplary evaluation of Saxony-Anhalt's "Health Booklet for Asylum Seekers"].

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In response to the large number of asylum seekers coming to Germany since 2015, lots of informational materials, translation aids, leaflets, etc. have been developed. However, hardly any of these materials have been evaluated with respect to their acceptance and usability in clinical practice. The aim of the present study was to exemplarily evaluate the 'Health Booklet for Asylum Seekers' that has been in use in Saxony-Anhalt since 2017.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was combined with qualitative interviews in an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. The survey included general practitioners (n=41), nursing staff (n=7), refugees (n=19) and other stakeholders (n=30); the Systems Usability Scale (SUS) was used to assess the usability of the booklet. The qualitative part of the study involved 35 interviews with the above-mentioned participants and two focus group discussions with physicians and refugees; the aim was to better understand the different actors' perception of usability.

RESULTS

Most general practitioners did not know the booklet and had never used it before, but were eager to make use of it in the future. Overall, the booklet was rated as highly usable by 65 % of all respondents, while the median score in the SUS was above the threshold value for good usability. Respondents explained that the booklet improved patient care, helped patients to better understand the health care system and their health issues, increased patient autonomy and has symbolic value as an expression of diversity management.

DISCUSSION

The different stakeholders predominantly perceived the health booklet to be a useful tool and assumed that its application in clinical practice would help alleviate some of the practical problems in providing medical care for asylum seekers.