References
Caring for your migrant patients and providing for their needs
Abstract
Most migrants who come to the UK are young and healthy adults, but some have specific health needs that may be less familiar to health practitioners. This article describes migration patterns and highlights key points for migrant-sensitive care in general practice
The UK has a long history of migration and in 2018 an estimated 14% of the population were born overseas. As international migration and displacement continue to rise, understanding how to care for migrant patients is of increasing importance for health professionals. This article describes migration trends in the UK and suggests considerations for care relating to key aspects of migrant health in general practice, including migrants' entitlements to the NHS, immunisation, infectious disease surveillance, testing and treatment, mental health, human trafficking and sociocultural considerations. It also highlights useful resources.
The UK has a long history of migration, which has given rise to a diverse population, comprising a range of nationalities, ethnicities and generations of migrants. In 2018, it was estimated that 14% of the UK population were born overseas (Office for National Statistics (ONS), 2018a). Predictions suggest that the scale of international migration, as well as displacement (migration driven by force, compulsion or coercion), will continue to rise (International Organization for Migration (IOM), 2017a). As the world becomes more interconnected, knowledge and understanding of how to care for migrant patients will become increasingly valuable and important for health professionals in the UK.
Migrants come to the UK for a variety of reasons, but most commonly they come to work, study or accompany family members. According to the most recent estimates, the leading countries of origin of long-term international migrants to the UK were Poland, India, Pakistan, Romania and the Republic of Ireland (net UK migration was estimated to be 283 000 in the year ending September 2018) (ONS, 2018b). Asylum seekers and refugees make up a much smaller subset of the population.
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