Roma in the Healthcare System

Introduction. The Roma community faces numerouschallenges in accessing health services, includinglanguage barriers, discrimination, low health literacy,and social exclusion.Aim. The aim of the research was to examine theexperiences of health professionals in treating Roma patients, with a focus on communication, cultural differences,and access to health services. Special emphasiswas also placed on the presence of antigypsyismin the healthcare system.Methods. The research was based on a qualitativedescriptivedesign. The sample included 15 healthcareworkers with experience in treating Roma patients,primarily from the Dolenjska region. Data werecollected through semi-structured individual interviewsconducted between November and December2024. The results were analyzed using thematicanalysis.Results. Thematic analysis identified four themes:(1) Cultural characteristics of the Roma community,(2) Healthcare of Roma, (3) Interpersonal relationshipsbetween healthcare workers and Roma, (4)Communication with Roma. The results show thatlanguage barriers, low health literacy, and culturaldifferences are the main challenges in the treatmentof Roma patients. Healthcare workers highlightedthe use of “Roma helpers” – cultural mediators, communicationadaptations, and educational workshopsas successful strategies.Conclusion. The research highlights the importanceof intercultural competences for improving healthcarefor the Roma community. Healthcare professionalsidentified key strategies for addressing antigypsyism,such as patience, building trust, involvingRoma cultural mediators, and organising targetedworkshops. These strategies align with currentguidelines, as they are based on respect, inclusion,and co-design of services with the Roma community.The findings can contribute to the development oftailored programmes that promote inclusion and reducehealth inequalities.