[Information on migration-sensitive websites of orthopedic rehabilitation facilities: Results of a document analysis]

Introduction: Despite a higher need, persons with a migration background use rehabilitative services less often than non-immigrants. Migration-sensitive information, e. g. on the websites of rehabilitation facilities, can help remove access barriers. We assessed the migration sensitivity of such websites in a comprehensive document analysis.

Methods: Websites of orthopedic rehabilitation facilities in North Rhine-Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein were systematically examined by means of qualitative content analysis using MAXQDA. Migration-sensitive rehabilitative strategies focusing on patients with a Turkish migration background served as an example.

Results: Websites of 44 rehabilitation facilities (North Rhine-Westphalia: 32, Schleswig-Holstein: 12) were included in the analysis. Only one rehabilitation hospital provided online information about migration-sensitive rehabilitative services, such as clinical services/materials in different languages or migration-sensitive training and therapy. Few facilities described migration-sensitive aspects of accommodation and catering. Integration/diversity officers or Turkish-speaking employees were rarely introduced on websites.

Conclusions: Just a few rehabilitation facilities provide information regarding migration-sensitive services on their websites. The presentation of information about treatment concepts was neither transparent nor patient-centered. Patients with a migration background and especially with language problems will face several barriers when searching the internet for rehabilitation services which meet their needs.