Refugee Health Care: A Handbook for Health Professionals

In the 10 years since the publication of the first refugee health handbook there have been considerable steps taken toward improving long-term settlement outcomes for refugees settled in New Zealand. This has been as a result of cross-sector collaboration between the Department of Labour, Immigration New Zealand and settlement service branches, the Ministry of Health and District Health Boards, and the wider governmental sector, including Housing New Zealand and the Ministry of Education. In the health sector, partnerships between District Health Boards, non-governmental organisations, settlement services and refugee communities has led to the delivery of services which are culturally, linguistically and religiously appropriate to refugee communities. The participation of people from refugee backgrounds in the health and disability sector workforce is increasing, and contributes significantly to the capacity of services to meet the specific needs of refugee families. In addition, health services have made considerable efforts to meet the high and complex health needs of refugee groups. Initiative such as the provision of interpreting services and culturally and linguistically diverse group (CALD) cultural competency training, along with tailored and targeted health programmes, have made a difference to improving access and equity for refugee groups. Health issues related to changes in lifestyle are emerging with the long-term settlement of refugee communities. Reduced physical activity, diets high in fats and sugars, and smoking place refugee groups, particularly those from South Asian, Middle Eastern and African groups, at risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes. Including refugee groups and their ethnic communities in mainstream prevention, screening and intervention services and programmes is of importance in maintaining good health outcomes for settled communities.The 2012 update of Refugee Health Care: A handbook for healthprofessionals discusses new refugee communities settled in New Zealand, emerging trends in the health of refugee groups and current therapies, and adds new service providers. Written in consultation with health providers, experts in the field and people from refugee backgrounds, it is designed to support health workers in primary, community and secondary health care settings in the delivery of safe, effective and culturally appropriate care for their refugee clients.