Health assessment for migrants and asylum seekers upon arrival and while hosted in reception centres

Italian guidelines

Bibliographic Data

ID21467968
AuthorsMaria Elena Tosti (0000-0003-1392-9874, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, corresponding author), Maurizio Marceca (0000-0003-2648-7171, Società Italiana di Medicina Generale), Erica Eugeni (0000-0002-5808-568X, Istituto Nazionale per l'Assicurazione Contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro), Franca D’Angelo (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), Salvatore Geraci (0000-0002-0964-9602, Società Italiana di Medicina Generale), Silvia Declich (0000-0002-5916-3889, Istituto Superiore di Sanità), Maurella Della Seta (0000-0002-3492-3351, Istituto Superiore di Sanità), Luigina Ferrigno (0000-0002-7721-7975, Istituto Superiore di Sanità), Rosalia Marrone (0000-0001-8205-5053, Istituto Nazionale per l'Assicurazione Contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro), Chiara Pajno (National Centre for Disease Prevention and Control), Scilla Pizzarelli (0000-0003-4769-2414, Istituto Superiore di Sanità), Annalisa Rosso (0000-0002-0537-5130, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Roma 3), Giulia De Ponte (0000-0002-0865-0900, Istituto Superiore di Sanità), Concetta Mirisola (Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale), Giovanni Baglio (0000-0001-8313-794X, National Centre for Disease Prevention and Control)
Year2021
Volume125
Issue3
Pages393-405
Publication date2021-03-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Policy (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0168-8510 • E-ISSN: 1872-6054
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.healthpol.2020.12.010
PMID33461797
OpenAlexW3117072375
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited27

BACKGROUND: During 2016-17, national guidelines were developed in order to provide evidence-based recommendations on health assessments for migrants and asylum seekers upon their arrival in Italy. METHODS: Scientific literature published between 2005 and 2016 was searched in different databases. A free search was also performed on international organizations' websites in order to identify additional relevant documents. A multidisciplinary panel discussed the resulting evidence and formulated recommendations. RESULTS: Evidence-based recommendations were formulated: signs and symptoms of specific diseases should to be actively searched for active TB, malaria, STI, intestinal parasites, diabetes, anaemia. In case of other health conditions (latent TB, HIV, HBV, HCV, STI, strongyloides, schistosoma, diabetes), testing should be offered to asymptomatic subjects coming from endemic areas or exposed to risk factors. Mass screening is recommended for anaemia and hypertension; a pregnancy test should be considered, while inclusion in cervical cancer screening and vaccination programs is recommended. A modulated, progressive approach was developed, covering an initial evaluation during rescue operations, a full medical examination at first line reception stage and the referral to national health services during second line reception. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to produce and periodically update guidelines on these issues and local peculiarities should be taken into account in their design and implementation. Guidelines can not only support economic sustainability, but also counteract stigmatization dynamics

Family medicine · Political science · Referral · Refugee · Interpreting and Communication in Healthcare · Medicine · Migration, Health and Trauma · Psychology · Travel-related health issues

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