Interaction between health professionals and international migrants: perceptions of care in an emergency unit

Abstract Objective to understand how health professionals and international migrants perceive care in an emergency unit. Method This is a descriptive, qualitative study conducted in the emergency department of a teaching hospital in southern Brazil. Nine health professionals and six international migrants participated. Data were collected between August and October 2023 through semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews. After transcription, the data were analyzed based on Symbolic Interactionism, using thematic analysis as proposed by Braun and Clarke, with the support of ATLAS.ti software. Results three main themes were identified: “Positive aspects perceived during care,” “Difficulties perceived during care,” and “Strategies used to support social interaction and care delivery.” Final considerations and implications for practice the interactions between health professionals and migrants in emergency settings carry both positive and negative meanings. These interactions take place in a context that often hinders communication, connection, and cultural respect. Even so, both professionals and migrants use different strategies to make care possible and more effective.