Background

Equity in access to and outcomes from healthcare is a fundamental pillar of universal healthcare systems. However, these systems have not eliminated social inequities in health. Significant socio-economic disparities persist in access to and utilisation of healthcare services, as well as in the quality and outcomes of care. The Social Health Bridge-Building Programme aims to enhance health equity by addressing multi-level barriers to healthcare. In this programme, healthcare student volunteers accompany individuals in a socially vulnerable situation to healthcare appointments, providing support before, during, and after these encounters. This reciprocal arrangement not only enhances the healthcare experience for the individuals involved but also offers student volunteers unique insights into the social determinants of health while fostering the development of essential communication skills. This study explores implementation perspectives of the programme, focusing on those accompanied to appointments.