Enhancing Healthcare Access for Migrant Populations Through a Student-Supported Clinic Model: A Qualitative Study

Access to healthcare for vulnerable populations, such as Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs), remains a critical challenge in Canada. Despite their critical contributions to the agricultural industry and North American food chain, TFWs encounter numerous barriers, such as differences in language, lack of transportation, and precarious access to healthcare due to their temporary work permit. This pressing issue prompted the emergence of Student Led Clinics (SLCs), healthcare facilities primarily managed and operated by students aiming to decrease emergency department utilization and increase healthcare accessibility for marginalized populations. However, despite the benefits, a SLC is difficult to implement into smaller communities that lack funding, resources, and neighboring professional schools. In response, this study proposes a novel healthcare delivery model, Student Supported Clinic (SSC), tailored to the unique needs of smaller communities like Windsor-Essex. Unlike traditional SLCs, the SSC model leverages a collaborative framework involving students working alongside licensed professionals while maintaining the same benefits. To develop the SSC model, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with clinic directors, facilitators, and coordinators from the twelve successful SLCs in Canada to identify key elements to implement into the SSC model. Through this research, we hope the proposed SSC framework offers a scalable and transitionary model for smaller communities. We propose this model in a manner that aligns with global sustainability goals and advocates for inclusive healthcare practices.