What the study found
The study found that Ukrainian parents’ expectations and perceptions of health care in Germany were influenced by Ukrainian medical culture, especially its more authoritarian communication style and stricter treatment of infectious diseases. Parents also described quick appointments in Ukraine as contrasting with long waits and barriers in Germany.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that discrepancies around self-treatment of infections and unintended discrimination point to a need for intercultural training of health staff. They also suggest that the treatment of future refugee populations may benefit from de-economization and inclusion of refugee health staff.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used a qualitative, participatory approach at the Children’s and Adolescents’ University Hospital of Leipzig. They conducted eight narrative interviews and one focus group with vulnerable Ukrainian parents, then thematically analyzed the material using a medical anthropology framework.
What worked and what didn't
The study reported that parents tended to return to Ukraine for medical appointments. It also noted that the high-quality care of chronically ill children in Germany was a relevant pull factor, while barriers and long waiting times in Germany were part of what parents found difficult.
What to keep in mind
The findings come from a small sample in one hospital setting, so the abstract does not show how broadly they apply. The available summary does not describe detailed participant characteristics beyond being vulnerable Ukrainian parents.
Key points
- Ukrainian parents’ expectations of care in Germany were shaped by differences from health care in Ukraine.
- Parents described Ukrainian care as faster and more directive, especially for infections.
- Long waiting times and access barriers in Germany contrasted with quicker appointments in Ukraine.
- Some families returned to Ukraine for medical appointments.
- The authors call for intercultural training and possible inclusion of refugee health staff.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Ukrainian parents reported barriers and different expectations in German pediatric care
- Authors:
- Niels Ziegelasch, Anastasia Hoffmann, Daryna Pokas, W Kiess, Olga Gotra, Bruna Alvarez
- Institutions:
- Leipzig University, Leipzig University, Leipzig University, Leipzig University of Applied Sciences, Leipzig University of Applied Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Queen Mary University of London, University Hospital Leipzig, University Hospital Leipzig, University Hospital Leipzig
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-02
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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