6533b834fe1ef96bd129d786

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Modelling healthcare access for migrants and refugees in Europe: identifying the major health issues

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Abstract The Mig-HealthCare systematically searched to identify the key health areas of refugee/migrant health in order to facilitate interventions that help access to care services for migrants and refugees. The literature review was carried out in March 2018 using 3 large scientific databases using a combination of search terms following the PRISMA methodology and a standard set of items used to report on systematic reviews. Based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 118 publications were used for data extraction. It is important to note, that in almost all of the sources identified, the following cross-cutting factors were described as influencing access to healthcare: Continuity of Information, how it relates to policy, how it differs between health services and across-borders. Furthermore, the organizational coordination among social and health care providers in the host country determinates the successful access to healthcare of migrants/refugees.Language & Communication takes into consideration both the healthcare service and its provision of translators and cultural mediators, and the host country language proficiency of the migrant/refugee.Organizational improvement of access and delivery of health care services for migrants and refugees in addition to Cultural Competence of the healthcare providers meaning the ability to maximize their sensitivity in the service of care to culturally diverse groups.Health literacy understood as the motivation and competences of the migrant population to access, understand, appraise, and apply health information. Additionally, the health issues of particular importance for migrants/refugees as emerged from the systematic review, including mental health, maternal/child health, health promotion, NCDs and chronic diseases, Oral/|Dental health, and Vaccinations should be included in planning future needs and healthcare access.