Assessing health systems’ preparedness for providing care for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants: a scoping review

Abstract

Background Health care systems and care professionals often face the challenge of providing adequate health care for migrant groups. The objective of this study is to answer the question of whether and how meeting the special health system requirements regarding refugees (R), asylum seekers (AS) and migrants (M) (RASM) is checked and evaluated. Methods A scoping review was used as a methodology of the research, with four electronic databases, websites of relevant organizations and European projects searched, using a strictly defined search strategy. Finally, 66 studies were included in the analysis. Results The included studies presented assessment of different types, aspects and facilities of health care, as well as various methods of analysis. In the vast majority of the studies (n = 52, 78%) interviews or questionnaires were used to collect data. The studies were mostly declared to be qualitative. The main issues assessed in the studies can be categorized into three groups: (i) legal aspects, (ii) before receiving health care and (iii) during health care usage. Conclusions RASM inflow is a big challenge for health care system in many countries. The first step to guarantee adequate health care for RASM is assessing how the system is functioning. This makes it possible to find gaps, indicate the directions of activities needed and monitor progress. Further work on the development of a comprehensive tool, checked in terms of validity and reliability assessment, and enabling examination of many aspects of health care for RASM should be carried out.

The unmet surgical needs of global refugee populations: A perspective review

“…Furthermore, healthcare disparities exist between migrants, especially refugees, and host communities, resulting in reduced healthcare opportunities for refugees. 6 This may exacerbate health conditions and precipitate a long-term financial burden. Governmental assistance is often inadequate, leaving charitable and non-profit organisations as the primary source of support in refugee camps ( Figure 3 ).…”

“…3,4 Such circumstances contribute to a higher prevalence of surgical disorders among the refugee populace, exacerbating their already vulnerable health status. [5][6][7] Surgical diseases pose a significant burden on global morbidity and mortality, with a pronounced impact in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), where many refugees seek asylum. 8 The existing challenges faced by refugees in accessing adequate surgical care are further compounded by the limited availability of prompt emergency interventions, limited interaction with qualified healthcare professionals and a multitude of legal barriers.…”

“…8 The existing challenges faced by refugees in accessing adequate surgical care are further compounded by the limited availability of prompt emergency interventions, limited interaction with qualified healthcare professionals and a multitude of legal barriers. [5][6][7][8] Additionally, various barriers comprising language and cultural barriers, financial limitations, a scarcity of healthcare institutions and discriminatory practices further impede and restrict surgical healthcare access. [5][6][7][8][9][10] The experience of displacement also gives rise to a unique set of health issues, including traumatic injuries and an elevated risk of infectious diseases.…”

“…[5][6][7][8] Additionally, various barriers comprising language and cultural barriers, financial limitations, a scarcity of healthcare institutions and discriminatory practices further impede and restrict surgical healthcare access. [5][6][7][8][9][10] The experience of displacement also gives rise to a unique set of health issues, including traumatic injuries and an elevated risk of infectious diseases.…”

“… 3 , 4 Such circumstances contribute to a higher prevalence of surgical disorders among the refugee populace, exacerbating their already vulnerable health status. 5 – 7 …”