New Migrants in Primary Healthcare - How are services adapting? Summary and Mini Case Book

Abstract

High rates of immigration in recent years in the United Kingdom presents service design and delivery challenges to primary care. At a time when resources are stretched, services must be both efficient and equitable for patients. Migrants are often healthy on arrival but some groups, such as refugees and asylum seekers, may have many healthcare needs. This study sought to explore how primary care is managing demand on its services by new migrants and how it addresses need in provision.APPROACHThe research was exploratory and formative. It looked at the services delivered in primary care organisations. The study took place between November 2015 and March 2016. Its methods were:Survey and contact form: Non-probability sampleof GPs, other health professionals, practice managers and third sector providers who hadserved new migrant populations in the last fiveyears (n=70); Responses were sifted for contact details and selected for case studies.In-depth case studies: Documentary analysis andin-depth interviews and focus groups with eightcase study primary care organisations.University of Sheffield’s School of Health and Related Research ethics committee (ref no 006009)The report was produced by the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR) and the Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care (AUMPC), University of Sheffield. ISBN 978-0-9571207-3-0