Out of sight, out of mind? A qualitative study of patients' perspectives on cross-border healthcare in a European border region.

OBJECTIVE

To improve our understanding of patients' needs in cross-border healthcare, with a specific focus on handover.

METHODS

In this qualitative study, we conducted narrative interviews with 8 patients who had experienced cross-border healthcare, including handover. Based on an inductive analysis, we crafted stories representing participants' perspectives. Crafted stories attend to the personal character of patients' experiences.

RESULTS

We crafted 3 stories relating patients' cross-border healthcare pathways. We identified 3 recurring issues in these stories: (1) Patient involvement in the decision-making process regarding their healthcare; (2) Communication with their healthcare providers; and (3) Information throughout the healthcare process.

CONCLUSION

The said issues, albeit no novelty in healthcare, seem to be amplified by cross-border barriers, such as system, language, and cultural differences. To empower patients to be involved in their own healthcare process, these issues should become a topic of conversation between patients and healthcare professionals.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The patient stories in this article could help raise awareness among professionals and patients about the issues patients face in cross-border healthcare. Awareness is a first step in overcoming these issues.