D1-a Home Sweet Home : A Team Approach in Responding to the Syrian Refugee Crisis

Theme 1. Planning programs and fostering partnerships for healthier communities

 

Presentation Details

  • Date: 10/18/2016
  • Concurrent Session D
  • Time: 9:30am - 10:15am
  • Room: Pier 9
  • Style: Presentation (information provided to audience, with opportunity for audience to ask question)
  • Focus: Practical (e.g. Presentation on how to implement programs and/or practices in the team environment)
  • Target Audience: Leadership (ED, clinical lead, board chair, board member, etc.), Clinical providers

Learning Objectives

  1. Understand some of the barriers preventing refugees from easily navigating our healthcare system
  2. Understand some of the challenges facing health care providers in providing care for a newcomer population and ideas for facilitating the care relationship
  3. Learn some techniques for optimizing the medical visit and beginning the promotion of health

Summary/Abstract

The Syrian refugee population coming to Canada faces many challenges, including being able to properly navigate our healthcare system because of system understanding, language barriers and transportation challenges.  Many of the refugee families have had little health care for an extended period, and often have some very complex health challenges, with feelings of vulnerability, fear and isolation. With the help of our community partners, the Bruyere Academic FHT has developed a clinic which provides the Initial Medical Assessment (IMA) for some of the Syrian families relocated to Ottawa. By providing all necessary components of the IMA on site (venipuncture technician for blood work, nursing staff for immunization, IMA templates for physician and residents, clerical staff and Arabic speaking interpreters) we provide a one stop shop for these patients. At the initial assessment clinic, we spend an average 5 hours with the families, which are often large. During this time, we provide a nourishing dinner; some information about life in Ottawa and the healthcare system , and volunteers move around with the families to help with navigation and understanding of processes.   There is visible relaxation, comfort, understanding and satisfaction. In this presentation, we will discuss some of the factors that create barriers for refugees, techniques used to optimize the visit and start the process of health literacy, and the ongoing challenges and rewards of taking on these vulnerable new arrivals as rostered patients.

Presenters

  • Karine Gauthier, Training Officer, Bruyère Academic Family Health Team
  • Kelly Kelly, Venipuncture technician, Bruyère Academic Family Health Team
  • Julie Lalonde, Registered Nurse, Bruyère Academic Family Health Team
  • Meagan MacCullough, Clerk, Bruyère Academic Family Health Team

Authors & Contributors

Samira Belaid, Volunteer, Bruyère Academic Family Health Team

Tags
Concurrent Sessions