Person-centred, community-oriented, and diversity sensitive primary care for migrants; a EFPC position paper

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Healthcare Management
• Migrant Health

Background:

• European populations are increasingly diverse due to migration.
• Migrants encounter significant barriers to accessing appropriate primary care, including structural, linguistic, and cultural challenges.
• Despite documented issues, the implementation of effective, inclusive primary care for migrants remains inconsistent across European countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the components of high-quality, accessible, affordable, and acceptable primary care for migrant populations.
• To identify necessary adaptations within primary care systems to better serve migrants.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for primary care organizations and professionals on delivering inclusive care.

Main Methods:

• A narrative synthesis approach was employed, integrating existing literature, expert opinions, and recent policy developments.
• The review drew upon healthcare research, policy analyses, and recommendations from the European Forum for Primary Care working group on migrants.
• Focus was placed on developments primarily from the past decade to ensure relevance.

Main Results:

• Effective primary care for migrants necessitates coordinated efforts in care delivery, capacity building, and system-level adjustments.
• Care delivery should be person-centered and comprehensive, supported by interprofessional collaboration and professional interpretation services.
• Capacity building involves training in diversity-sensitive care, cultural humility, and structural competency, alongside system-level policies ensuring equitable access, continuity of care, and inclusive quality monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Integrating person-centered, diversity-sensitive, and community-oriented principles is crucial for equitable healthcare for migrant populations.
• Urgent action is called for from policymakers, organizations, and professionals to implement these reforms.
• These reforms not only improve migrant care but also strengthen overall health system resilience and sustainability.