Primary care
-
This article describes the different ways culture affects health care, in terms of patient-related factors, health care provider-related factors, and health care system-related factors. This article also reviews interventions and best practices that draw on the incorporation of culture into health care and that thus may be effective for building cross-cultural understanding between providers and their immigrant and refugee patients.
-
This article describes the current state of migration of immigrant children into the United Sates and the various categories of immigrant children, including refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied minors, adoptees, and Special Immigrant Visa holders, hereafter called immigrant children. It focuses on guidelines for medical screening and management of newcomer immigrant children and adolescents and their ongoing preventive care. This article also addresses challenges unique to immigrant children and adolescents and the importance of culturally sensitive anticipatory guidance.
-
The domestic medical examination of newly arrived refugees is a comprehensive medical visit. It includes a review of the overseas medical examination and a thorough medical and immigration history. ⋯ It should also include vaccinations for age-appropriate vaccine-preventable diseases. The concept of preventive care should be introduced, and future visits should be scheduled for preventive care.
-
Immigration, and health issues surrounding the immigration status of patients, remains much in the media forefront and will likely remain so in the future due to ongoing political challenges. Although precise definitions of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers remain vitally important when framing discussions around immigration, all newcomers face health challenges. By educating themselves about these issues, health care professionals can better care for their patients, no matter their specialty.