Decade of turmoil: A characterization of a specialized refugee health clinic 2011-2020
Abstract
Notes
Future research / gaps identified:
1) Assess refugees’ healthcare usage outside of primary health clinics (e.g. emergency departments and hospital admissions) and how this changes/does not change with policies and global conflict.
2) Investigate patient outcomes beyond healthcare utilization, e.g. quality of life, satisfaction with care.
Integration timeline: not defined
Key findings:
1) Total monthly appointments increased 576% over 10 years.
2) Key qualitative themes included:
i) Strain on clinic staff and providers’ wellness
ii) Challenges and successes of patient acculturation
iii) Clinic resources increased in amount and type over time
iv) Providers excelled in caring for patients physical health but sometimes struggled to meet patients’ psychological and social needs
v) Factors mitigating stress and challenges
vi) The importance of understanding lived experience
vii) Suggestions for future upheavals.
Location: Calgary, AB
Open access: Yes
Community organizations: Mosaic Refugee Health Clinic
Key populations: Patients and staff at the specialized refugee health clinic in Calgary
Key recommendations:
1) Assess how broader health policies and other upheavals may have downstream consequences on local health clinics, particularly in specialized clinics like those for refugees
2) Prepare for potential impacts on care that may continue to happen as new global conflict, refugee crises, etc. occur
3) Create a comprehensive, holistic model of refugee healthcare utilization to increase the sector’s knowledge and better pinpoint strategies for change.