Predictions concerning the use of health care services in Europe by migrants/refugees and the Mig-HealthCare Roadmap & Toolbox

• Published in: European journal of public health 2019-11, Vol.29 (Supplement_4)
• Main Authors: Zota, D, Karnaki, P, Gil-Salmerón, A, Garcés-Ferrer, J, Riza, E, Linos, A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Childrens health; Chronic conditions; Chronic illnesses; Classification; Consortia; Dental care; Diabetes; Diabetes mellitus; Disease; Health care; Health care expenditures; Health education; Health promotion; Human communication; Languages; Mental health; Mental health services; Migrants; Oral hygiene; Organizational culture; Poverty; Psychological distress; Public health; Refugees; Websites
• ISSN: 1101-1262; 1464-360X
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz185.265

Abstract Based on the multiple levels of research conducted within the project the consortium developed a roadmap & toolbox which includes the following categories: Continuity of information, Language Culture & Communication, Mental Health, Vaccinations, Maternal/child health, Health promotion, Oral health/Dental Care and NCDs while the Toolbox contains tools on these categories in different languages. The roadmap & toolbox is accessible through the project website. In addition, different scenarios, giving a comprehensive picture of the foreseen situation and the evidence-based policies and actions needed to maximize the effective delivery and sensitivity in the service of care to culturally diverse population groups were developed focusing on mental health, chronic disease management and oral health. Refugees and migrants tend to have a higher prevalence of mental distress compared to non-refugees. For the challenge of lack of recording mental health of migrants/refugees, improving the collaboration between ‘migrant-specific’ organizations is needed. Health care systems in Europe will have to accommodate the high demand for health care services for chronic conditions among migrants/refugees in the coming years. Implications such as the impact of poverty, level of health literacy and/or the cultural adaption of the measures need to be considered when planning to address future trends related to non-communicable diseases including diabetes among migrants/refugees. The provision of oral care presents great variability across the European countries, but in most cases, it is characterized by high cost and restricted range of services if offered within the state health systems. Migrants /refugees will not be able to meet the high cost of private dental care. Local community interventions have been proven very effective.