International migrants have been recognized as a population at risk in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Worldwide, various strategies have been deployed for the protection of this population, such as the establishment of reception and quarantine or isolation centers. This article reports the results of a study that explored the experiences of international migrants in nursing homes in Chile created to ensure a safe quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic, from an approach of ethical conditions for care. A qualitative study was carried out in 2020-2021. Thirty individual semi-structured online interviews were conducted in the cities of Arica, Iquique, Antofagasta and Santiago with international migrants with experience of using nursing homes; health teams of nursing homes; managers of nursing homes; local authorities; and national experts. Thematic analysis of the information was carried out. The study concludes that for international migrants, although the experience in nursing homes has meant significant health support, it is essential that the care provided, in addition to the requirement that it be framed in an approach of rights and respect for the dignity of each person, incorporate the perspective of interculturality in its work, that is, ensuring the right to culturally relevant health services, respectful of the culture of individuals, minorities, peoples and communities.
Keywords:
COVID-19; International Migration; Quarantine; Clinical Ethics