A Mixed Methods Protocol for Developing Strategies to Improve Access to Health Care Services for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Gauteng Province, South Africa

Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right for all people, including refugees and asylum seekers. Despite the provision in the Refugee Act of South Africa, which allows refugees to enjoy the same access to health services as the citizens of the Republic, refugees still encounter challenges in accessing such services in Gauteng province. This protocol aims to develop strategies to improve access to health care services for refugees and asylum seekers in Gauteng province, South Africa. The study will be conducted in three phases. An exploratory sequential mixed methods design will be employed in phase 1 of the study; the initial study will be based on a qualitative approach followed by a quantitative approach. Phase 1 (a) of this study will employ a qualitative approach in Gauteng province among conveniently sampled health practitioners as well as purposively sampled refugees and asylum seekers. Interviews will be used to collect data that will be analyzed thematically. Phase 1 (b) will adopt a quantitative approach based on the findings from the initial qualitative study. The ethical principles of informed consent, anonymity, privacy, confidentiality, and avoidance of harm will be adhered to throughout the research process. Phase 1 (c) will be meta-inference and conceptualization. Phase 2 will focus on the development of strategies using strength, weakness, opportunities, and threats analysis and a build, overcome, explore, and minimize model to guide the process. In Phase 3, the Delphi technique will be used to validate the developed strategies. The conclusion and recommendations will be based on the findings of the study.