Number Of Refugees Research Articles

Refugee education: a critical visual analysis

ABSTRACT Refugee education has become an issue of national and international concern as the numbers of refugees rise globally. In a world where global issues such as forced migration are communicated and consumed through the visual mode, understanding how discursive agendas are constituted visually is important. This paper explores the representations of Refugee Education, toggled with Refugees and Education with a focus on images available from a Google Images search. The analysis is framed by critical visual literacy, with the assumption that visual images are embedded in wider sociocultural practices and ideologies. Images of Refugee Education depict impoverished, teacher-centred classrooms, restricted knowledge and a docile population. Toggling with images of Refugees emphasises the racial otherness of refugee students, their numbers, and schooling as the means to contain the discursively constructed representations of refugees-as-threat. Toggling with Education emphasises Refugee Education as merely an issue of access, rather than quality, inclusive or lifelong learning as envisaged in Sustainable Development Goal 4. We conclude that images of refugee education undermine the quest for a compassionate inclusive education for refugees of all ages and that caution and critique are needed in the consumption of images.

Evaluation of Cultural Competence Levels of Pediatric Nurses Working in Antalya

Introduction: The number of immigrants and refugees in Turkey is increasing due to various reasons. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors that influence the cultural competence of pediatric nurses who often encounter families and children from different cultural backgrounds in multicultural societies. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cultural competencies of pediatric nurses and the associated factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at hospitals in Antalya and its districts, Turkey, in 2018. The study sample consisted of 236 pediatric nurses. Descriptive information form and Nurse Cultural Competence Scale-Turkish (NCCS-T) form were used for data collection. Results: The mean NCCS-T score of pediatric nurses was found 60.82±14.31. Nurses who received vocational training to provide health care services to individuals from different cultures, who were satisfied with working with immigrants or who were not experienced in providing care for such groups had higher competence levels (p

Information on, and access to, healthcare services among refugees from Ukraine arriving in Norway

Abstract Background The full-scale invasion in Ukraine has led to a sharp increase in the number of refugees coming to Norway, and a rapid upscaling of the asylum system, including temporary solutions, which may have led to poorer information and access to services. This study assesses received information about, and access to, health services in a sample of adult Ukrainian refugees in Norway. Methods Data were collected via a digital questionnaire (UKR-R survey, n = 731) in a cross-sectional study design between 28.10.22-31.01.23, via multiple physical contact points, including asylum reception centres, municipalities, non-profit organisations, as well as Facebook groups for refugees in Norway. Results for outcome measures were weighted by age and sex against all Ukrainian refugees registered with collective protection in Norway. Results Respondents (n = 731) were 83% female, most aged 30-39 years (36%) and 40-49 years (29%), 69% with higher education. Among those with long-term illnesses, health problems or disabilities, 48% reported usually needing health services 2-4 times per year, and 22% answered ‘5 or more'. Thirty-nine percent of all respondents had received information about the health services in Norway in a way that they could understand, while 49% answered ‘To some extent'. Most knew how to contact a doctor or other health professional if they needed help, either fully (49%) or to some extent (43%). Eighty-six percent had needed health care in Norway. Of these, 32% reported having received the health care they felt they needed, and 42% answered ‘To some extent'. More recent arrivals were less likely to report having received adequate information, to know how to contact health services, and that they had received the health care they felt they had needed. Conclusions There are indications of unmet or only partially met healthcare and information needs, especially among more recently arrived persons, representing potential for improvement. Key messages • Received information about, and access to health services, are acceptable, but with room for improvement, especially among those newly arrived. • A large majority of the refugees reported need for health care in Norway. One out of four have not received the health care they felt they needed.

Self-reported health status using EQ-5D-5L among refugees from Ukraine arriving in Norway in 2022

Abstract Background The full-scale invasion in Ukraine has led to a sharp increase in the number of refugees coming to Norway, and a rapid upscaling of the asylum system, including temporary solutions, which may have led to poorer information and access to services. This study assesses self-reported health status among refugees from Ukraine arriving in Norway during 2022. Methods Data were collected via a digital questionnaire in a cross-sectional study design between 28.10.22-31.01.23, via multiple physical contact points, including asylum reception centres, municipalities, non-profit organisations, as well as Facebook groups for refugees in Norway. Results were weighted by age and sex against all Ukrainian refugees registered with collective protection in Norway. Linear regression assessed association of age, sex and having higher education with estimated EQ-5D-5L values using a Romanian EQ-5D-5L value set. Results Results are preliminary and may be altered. Respondents (n = 731) were 83% female, 65% aged 30-49 years, 69% with higher education. Mean EQVAS score weighted for age and sex was 69.5 (95% CI 67.9, 71.1). The ten most commonly reported EQ-5D-5L health states, reported by 425 respondents, had a mean estimated value of 0.94; mean value for all reported health states was 0.87. The most severe levels were most often reported for anxiety and depression. Regression models showed higher estimated EQ-5D-5L state values for men compared to women (male: +0.026, p < 0.05) and for those with higher education (+0.026, p < 0.05), and lower estimated valued health states for the oldest age groups compared to the youngest (age 50-59: -0.066, p < 0.01, age 70+: -0.096, p < 0.01). Conclusions Self-reported health status using EQ-5D-5L differed by sex, age group and educational level. Whilst most respondents reported relatively mild health states, when severe levels were reported these were most often for anxiety and depression. Key messages • Self-reported health status using EQ-5D-5L among refugees from Ukraine arriving in Norway differed by sex, age group and educational level. • Whilst most refugees from Ukraine responding to the survey reported relatively mild health states, when severe levels were reported these were most often for anxiety and depression.

Healthcare for Asylum Seekers and Refugees; A Scoping Review

Abstract The number of asylum seekers and refugees entering the UK is increasing. There is a strong body of evidence considering the health needs and barriers that this group experience. There is far less evidence on the best models for the organisation, delivery and provision of health services for these populations. This scoping review synthesised the published evidence and evaluations on how health care services for asylum seekers and refugees are organised and delivered across the UK. Electronic databases were searched in June 2022 to identify relevant peer reviewed literature from 2002 onwards. Mental and physical health services for adults and children were included. To source grey literature, requests for relevant service evaluations were made through the UK Health Security Agency, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities Migrant Health Network and the websites of relevant organisations were searched. Six semi structured interviews were carried out with public health practitioners and clinicians working with asylum seekers and refugees. Twenty-one articles were included in the scoping review. Nine (42.8%) were focused on services in London. Seven (33.3%) articles were service evaluations. The majority were descriptive analyses, surveys or reports. Only seven (33.3%) of articles included service users’ views. A thematic analysis grouped the articles and interviews into six themes; accessibility, link worker, training, integrated pathways, GP registration and time. There is a paucity of evidence relating to the delivery and effectiveness of services for asylum seekers and refugees in the UK. The key themes identified were consistent over the 20-year search period. Recommendations for services include routine evaluation of services with dissemination of findings and patient and public involvement. Given the increasing numbers and health needs of this group, the economic evaluation of health care services is essential. Key messages • There is a paucity of evidence on healthcare delivery for asylum seekers and refugees. • Key themes for services are accessibility, link worker, training, integrated pathways, GP registration and time.

Establishment of a social listening mechanism on refugee crisis

Abstract Background The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 captured the public attention. For the Republic of Moldova, a border country that sheltered the highest number of refugees reported to its local population, managing the refugee crisis became a challenge, including countering mis- and disinformation with major impact on public health. The paper aims to identify the social listening mechanism that allows to track rumors regarding the refugees crisis and propose recommendations for adapting public messages. Methods The Social Listening soft Talkwalker was used to monitor and identify conversations on the refugee crisis in the Republic of Moldova between September 2022-March 2023, by developing a search syntax (with a health focus on services, vaccination, Covid-19, etc.). A second step was a qualitative analysis of the messages and comments, with recommendations. Results A total of 131,5K of results were detected with a 1.1 million Engagement. The performance remained constant, with sporadic peaks (3 most evident) and decreases on weekend days. The net sentiment is negative (-25,8 %), being dominated by anger, followed by fear and sadness. In general, prevail messages of support for the Ukrainian people, but there are also harsh criticisms of the authorities. One of the propagated ideas is that too little is being done for the local population and more support is being shown for refugees. Netizens tend to comment or share material for expressing their political views. Posts about the refugee crisis (creating better conditions in maternity hospitals or employing refugees), are less popular than those about the military conflict as a whole. Potential stigma issues have to be analyzed regarding displaced persons from Ukraine. Conclusions Undermining trust in the authorities is a good opportunity for disinformation, that's why the subject should be fact-checked. Enhancing communication of public authorities is essential. Key messages • Refugee crisis have a major impact on public health and social listening help managing it effectively. The mechanism developed (including the search syntax) can be adapted for other countries. • The research shows how monitoring conversations on social media regarding refugees can help authorities counter mis and disinformation and adapt their public messages.

From policy to practice: What factors influence GP's provision of health assessments to Ukrainian refugees in Denmark?

Abstract Denmark has received over 30,000 displaced people from Ukraine since February 2022 and has implemented certain accommodations specific for this population. Not bound by the EU Temporary Protection Directive, a special Act has been introduced, whereby Ukrainians have been offered streamlined access to temporary resident permits with faster access to health services than what is granted in the asylum-seeking population, for whom parallel systems often exist to provide care. While other refugee groups receive health screenings in the asylum centers during the asylum process, Ukrainian have received quick access to general practitioners (GP's) in the public system. Danish health authorities have recommended that GPs provide a detailed examination of chronic diseases, vaccination status, infectious diseases, and mental health for Ukrainian refugees. Provision of this recommendation is necessary to meet the health needs of Ukrainian refugees. However, how these recommendations have been received and implemented remains unknown. We will present results from a survey sent to 3000 general practitioners in Denmark (expected response rate 30%) investigating how GPs implement the health assessment recommendations and what factors influenced the provision (or not) of health assessment to newly arrived Ukrainian refugees. The survey, which has been developed after conducting a review of the guidelines and conducting interviews with GPs and refugees (n = 11), examines knowledge of the health recommendations; implementation of guidelines; structural (i.e. time, interpretation) and individual factors (i.e. experience with war exposed patients) affecting health assessments and care; and cooperation among different parts of the health system. This presentation will shed light on how, in the context of large numbers of refugees entering EU countries, health policies are translated to practice and what factors affect the provision of adequate care for Ukrainian refugees in Denmark.

Health & healthcare needs among refugees from Ukraine arriving in Norway during 2022

Abstract The full-scale invasion of Ukraine has led to a surge in refugees coming to Norway. Systematic information about the health and healthcare needs of the group, which may differ significantly from that of other refugees, is lacking. This study aimed to measure self-reported health and healthcare needs in a sample of adult refugees from Ukraine. Data were collected via a digital questionnaire (UKR-R survey, n = 731) in a cross-sectional study design between 28.10.22-31.01.23, via multiple physical contact points, including asylum reception centres, municipalities, non-profit organisations, as well as Facebook groups for refugees in Norway. Several survey items were from existing Norwegian population surveys, such as a short version of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-5). Data from these surveys (NOR surveys, n = 256 920) formed a comparison group. Results were weighted by age and sex against all Ukrainian refugees registered with collective protection in Norway. Respondents were 83% female, 65% aged 30-49 years, and 69% with higher education. Fewer in UKR-R survey rated their overall health as good or very good compared to NOR surveys (48% vs. 73%, p < 0.001). Fewer in UKR-R survey rated their dental health as good or very good compared to NOR surveys (31% vs. 74%, p < 0.001). More UKR-R survey respondents reported long-term illnesses or health problems compared to NOR surveys (58% vs. 44%, p < 0.001). UKR-R respondents had a mean weighted HSCL-5 score of 2.24 (95% CI: 2.18, 2.29), compared to 1.60 (95% CI: 1.595, 1.601) in NOR surveys, indicating psychological distress. Refugees from Ukraine arrived thus far, compared to the Norwegian general population, rate their overall health and dental health poorer, and report higher levels of psychological distress. These findings may help to inform planning of health services and information to refugees from Ukraine, especially in municipalities and areas receiving large numbers of refugees.

The Impact of the War in Ukraine on the Epidemiological Situation of Tuberculosis in Europe.

Ukraine is at the forefront of one of the largest outbreaks of tuberculosis (TB) in Europe, including multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Due to the ongoing armed conflict in this area, there is a significant number of refugees from Ukraine to other European countries. The aim of the study is to emphasize the essence of the problem of the increased incidence of tuberculosis, taking into account the impact of the armed conflict in Ukraine, resulting in the intensification of migration movements. A descriptive epidemiological method was used as the research method. The material was collected by analyzing source statistical data from WHO and statistical yearbooks of selected European countries. Particularly, Ukrainian refugees in Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia are at higher risk of contracting tuberculosis due to factors like migration stress, poor nutrition, and comorbidities. Epidemiological data from these countries show a rise in tuberculosis cases among foreigners, emphasizing the need for European specialists to be more vigilant in this unique situation, focusing on refugees and other vulnerable populations. More research and collaborative efforts are essential to closely monitor and prevent the severe outcomes of tuberculosis transmission.

The urban socio-environmental impact of a mixed-use street in fostering refugee integration in the host society

ABSTRACT Türkiye has recently welcomed a significant number of Syrian refugees into its cities and camps. This research hypothesizes that with access to appropriate resources, refugees can leverage their cultural backgrounds, prior professional experiences, and economic skills to enhance social integration and contribute positively to their new communities. The study focuses on the urban characteristics and sustainability of mixed streets, believed to influence social life in refugee neighborhoods, ultimately promoting social justice. The research methodology involves a literature review on sustainability and social development in mixed streets. It also includes a case study of Selçuk Street in Ankara, tracking its development since the arrival of Syrian refugees. Behavioral observations, data recording, documentation, and mapping of refugee activities are used to visualize social interactions within the street. The central question is whether urban development and the sustainability of mixed streets can effectively promote social justice and the integration of refugees into their new societies. This research provides insights for academics and urban designers, guiding future efforts to foster integration and coexistence in these evolving communities.

The crime effect of refugees

AbstractWe analyze the impact on crime of millions of refugees who entered and stayed in Turkey as a result of the civil war in Syria. Using a novel administrative data source on the flow of offense records to prosecutors’ offices in 81 provinces of the country each year, and utilizing the staggered movement of refugees across provinces over time, we estimate instrumental variables models that address potential endogeneity of the number of refugees and their location and find that an increase in the number of refugees leads to more crime. We estimate that the influx of refugees between 2012 and 2016 generated additional 75,000 to 150,000 crimes per year, although it is not possible to identify the distribution of these crimes between refugees and natives. Additional analyses reveal that a low‐educated native population has a separate, but smaller, effect on crime. Our results underline the need to quickly strengthen the social safety systems, to take actions to dampen the impact on the labor market, and to provide support to the criminal justice system for mitigating the repercussions of massive influx of individuals into a country, and to counter the social and political backlash that typically emerges in the wake of such large‐scale population movements.

Forced displacement, social cohesion, and the state: Evidence from eight new studies

Millions of people around the world are forcibly displaced. One consequence of displacement is that it brings large numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons into contact with members of ‘host’ communities with whom they might otherwise have little opportunity to interact. Such contact has the capacity to transform social and economic life among both host communities and forcibly displaced persons, yet we have relatively scant evidence of how communities change in response to displacement. In this Special Issue Introductory Essay, we provide an overview of forced displacement as a phenomenon and review the state of knowledge on displacement and social cohesion. We then synthesize findings from nine new studies included in this issue, which bring forth new evidence from over 30 countries across the globe. We conclude with implications for policy and development efforts.

Gender dimensions of war and displacement: Experiences of refugees from the Central African Republic in Cameroon

abstract Ensuring that planned processes, programmes and interventions recognise that the underlying inequalities and differential needs of women and men are still impeded by the failure to apply gender considerations, thereby perpetuating inequality, is vital in the refugee crisis plaguing the international community. The current trend of literature on refugees is mostly slanted to the growing number of refugees and policy towards the refugee population worldwide. Little attention is paid to the gender gaps in the daily experiences encountered by male and female refugees. This article emanates from a research study that examined gender issues in the management of refugees from the Central African Republic at the Lolo refugee camp in Cameroon’s East Region. It assesses the adequacy of the provision of services and programmes in ensuring durable solutions that can address the differential needs of male and female refugees and helping them overcome their challenges. Data for this qualitative study was collected through focus group discussions, interviews, and participant observation. Findings revealed that despite the efforts made by organisations working with refugees, most of the services are inadequate and gender dynamics are not adequately factored into the management of refugees. There is clear evidence of voiceless, powerless women who are under the spell of the strong hold of culture. It is expected that this study will serve as a reference document for international organisations working in the field of refugee management and protection, to consider making gender a critical variable in their programmes and services for refugee protection. It is suggested that there is a need for a feminist approach to humanitarian aid.

If ‘it all breaks down’: The Norwegian refugee crisis as a geography of chaos

How did the arrival of growing numbers of refugees and migrants in a non-violent setting and high-income country like Norway become framed as a ‘humanitarian crisis’ and with what consequences? In this article, we examine the framing and responses to the influx of refugees and other migrants to Norway in 2015–16, in and around Oslo and in the Arctic region of Storskog, along the Russian border. Our analysis draws on two theoretical contributions: work on ‘crisis and chaos’ and the idea of ‘chaotic geographies’, and work on the ‘humanitarian arena’ . Taking a tripartite approach, we study how time, space and different levels of response (citizen volunteers, established humanitarian actors and the state) contributed to the framing of the situation as a humanitarian crisis, and the consequences of this. We show that Norway is a political and geographical outlier, and that the state’s response to this ‘humanitarian crisis’ and potentially chaotic situation was seen as both appropriate and legitimate. We argue this helped ‘de-escalate’ the chaotic geography.

Living Conditions of Internally Displaced Persons in the Ciscarpathian Region in Context of the Russian War against Ukraine

The article is devoted to the difficult material, housing and everyday situation of internally displaced persons in one of the territorial communities in the Ciscarpathian region. One of the centers of the territorial community of Ivano-Frankivsk region at the beginning of the Russian open armed aggression managed to accept a significant number of refugees from the war on its territory, who were placed in various community owned institutions (so-called collective centers), religious organizations, and local medical institutions. Along with them, shelters of private and municipal ownership appeared on the territory of the community, where their strict rules of stay were in effect, but where people have found a small share of private comfort in the conditions of life’s wanderings. Many problems appeared over time with the arrangement of the living space of forced resettlers in this community centers for the acceptance of such people due to their individual needs, the organization of collective everyday life and the satisfaction of their social and natural rights. As a result, significant misunderstandings later emerged within the immigrant community, which caused suffering for some individuals in this group. This sowed considerable uncertainty about the future of these families, where they will find themselves tomorrow, because their own home, although it survived, became a traumatic page in their lives. Being around the elderly, it was very common to hear anxious questions filled with fear and doubt: ‘Won’t they relocate us from here?’. In general, arranging the personal space of forced resettlers, including people with special needs (persons with physical disabilities, people with psychological injuries and deviations, elderly persons) in the conditions of the ongoing Russia’s war against Ukraine, is a great challenge both for local authorities and relevant social services, and for public and volunteer organizations.

Creating community learning for empowerment groups: an innovative model for participatory research partnerships with refugee communities

Empowering communities to respond to humanitarian crises is one of the core principles of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. In response to large numbers of refugees resettling in Canada from Syria as they fled its civil war, a community-based research partnership was initiated to examine the psychosocial needs and adaptation processes of Syrian individuals and families. In this article, we introduce Community Learning for Empowerment Groups (CLEGs) as a methodological innovation in participatory research partnerships and demonstrate how they can be used to harvest local knowledge and create critical spaces for transformative learning. We describe the process of co-creating CLEGs with seven recently resettled Syrian community leaders, examples of their implementation, and lessons learned in our community-based participatory research (CBPR). Grounded in a transformative paradigm, our CBPR project occurred over three phases of implementation. Activities undertaken by the research team in phase one aimed at empowering the leaders through a “train-the trainer” and collaborative learning approach to lead CLEGs in phase two. Focus groups were held with leaders in phase two to explore their experiences leading CLEGs. Discussions in focus groups revealed that leaders were empowered to adapt their learning from phase one according to their group dynamics and personal leadership style. Deepened insights and new facilitation approaches were evidence of leaders’ growth, as exemplified in the focus groups. Leaders were able to support their groups to generate and, in some cases, implement community-based solutions to their groups’ psychosocial challenges. Community Learning for Empowerment Groups are a promising model for supporting power sharing and knowledge co-construction in participatory research partnerships.

34 Using Spatial Analysis to Identify Access to IFHP-registered Paediatric Providers in Ontario

Abstract Introduction/Background Compared to non-refugees, child refugees face a wide array of health disparities, including higher levels of nutritional deficiencies, infectious diseases, and mental illness secondary to experienced poverty, trauma, and migration. After migration, refugee families continue to face health inequities, necessitating access to health care. In Canada, the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary health care benefits to refugees and refugee claimants who are ineligible for provincial or territorial health insurance. The program requires healthcare providers to register to be reimbursed for care provided. However, physicians are not required to register for IFHP, leading to fewer providers. Objectives This study aimed to map where IFHP-registered primary care physicians (PCPs) and paediatricians live and work in Ontario, relative to where IFHP-insured patients live, to identify geographic accessibility of primary healthcare services for paediatric refugee populations. Design/Methods We performed spatial analysis using ArcMap (version 10.8.2), a geographic information system (GIS). The practice location of PCPs and paediatricians registered for IFHP as of December 2021 were geocoded and the percent of IHFP provider per population for each Census Tract (CT) was calculated. Refugee populations eligible for IFHP in Ontario by CT, as identified by the 2016 Canadian Census, were calculated as percentages and per 10,000 population, and linked to geospatial data for comparison. Ratios of IFHP providers to refugees were calculated for each CT. Results At the time of data collection, there were 481,710 documented refugees living in Ontario, and 11,854 IFHP-registered paediatricians or PCPs. Toronto, Windsor, and Kitchener-Waterloo had the largest percentages of refugees per population (5.4%, 5.1%, and 4.6%, respectively), while Toronto, Hamilton, and London had the highest percentage of IFHP providers per population (0.13%, 0.11%, and 0.09%, respectively). Generally, CTs with the highest proportion of refugees had more IFHP-registered providers, and rural areas had the fewest number of both refugees and IFHP-registered providers. However, there were 941 CTs recognized across Ontario with identified refugee populations but no registered IFHP providers. The CTs with the highest ratio of IFHP providers to refugees were in Toronto and Ottawa (3.9, 2.0 in Toronto, and 2.1 in Ottawa, respectively). Conclusion While some regions with large refugee populations have registered IFHP PCP providers, there are regions that are relative IFHP provider-deserts for resident refugees. Identifying areas where geographic barriers are likely to exist in Ontario is necessary to improve accessibility of existing services and could help reduce healthcare inequities faced by the refugee population.

Experts’ assessments of migration scenarios between the Middle East & North Africa and Europe

We describe data collected among 138 migration experts about the repercussions of scenarios of social change on migration between the Middle East & North Africa and Europe, during the period 2021–2030. Scenarios include changes in the cultural, demographic, economic, and political determinants of migration in sending and receiving countries. Assessments focus on the change in the number of family, work, and return migrants, the number of refugees, and the likelihood of achieving safe, orderly, and regular migration. Experts were at the moment of the survey active in European research centers or European (supra-) national governmental or civil society organizations. The survey features a factorial design, which allows for identifying a causal relationship between the experts’ assessments and the scenarios of social change. Our data may be used to estimate projection models of future migration flows, map out what experts consider as critical migration issues for the region, and identify areas of agreement or disagreement between them. As such, our dataset may illuminate decision-making regarding migration policies in Europe and beyond.

Start-up Incubators for Refugees: Applying Psychological Methods to Increase Chances of Entrepreneurial Success

An increasing number of start-up incubators offer programmes designed specifically for refugees. They provide entrepreneurship training and access to a closely-knit community for start-up development. Beyond that, they also support refugees in overcoming typical challenges, including a lack of language skills and required qualifications, an uncertain residence status, discrimination and psychological distress on various levels. While these incubators have already contributed to refugees’ social and economic integration, the number of successful participants is still relatively low. The question remains about what can be done to multiply the potential so that more significant numbers of refugees can benefit. To support incubators in achieving more significant numbers, this work presents a framework of methods and tools based on health and organisational psychology literature. More specifically, this work focuses on methods and tools to be applied during two critical phases of the incubation cycle, namely the selection process and the actual programme. First, suitable candidates may be overlooked and/or less suitable candidates admit-ted during selection. This work proposes approaches to improve the accuracy of assessment methods so that more significant numbers of candidates with good chances of success are admit-ted. In addition, these methods can help identify those candidates who may appear unsuitable at first sight but could likely get ready with a preparatory course before joining the programme. Second, participants may have difficulty keeping up during the programme for various reasons (often related to the mentioned challenges) and therefore drop out early. This work proposes science-based approaches which help to adapt and improve existing programme elements and/or implement new elements to increase the chances of successful programme completion. Overall, this work seeks to contribute to the academic discussion on innovative approaches to upscale the work of incubators for refugees. Further research will involve co-developing practical approaches with incubators for refugees, cooperating on the implementation, and measuring impact. The goal of providing incubators with relevant practical insights is to deploy more significant numbers of refugees as entrepreneurs and contribute to broader social and economic impact.

Where is obstetric anesthesiology heading in the next decade? An Eastern European perspective

European countries of “Eastern Block” origin took different healthcare and economic development trajectories after the Berlin Wall fell. Despite decreased maternal and neonatal mortality in the last two decades, healthcare disparities exist between the various countries. Minimum standards for obstetric anesthesia are not available for every maternity patient. Lack of equity in access to healthcare for maternity patients is multifactorial and includes differences in systems of care and health economics, and shortages of medical personnel.The war in Ukraine generates additional challenges for healthcare systems in the region, resulting from a significant increase in the number of refugees, some of whom are pregnant and require maternity services, including obstetric anesthesia and analgesia and maternal critical care. The next decade's challenges comprise the implementation of evidence-based medicine advances in the field of obstetric anesthesia and analgesia, and of maternal critical care at national levels, including access to neuraxial opioids, the broad implementation of enhanced recovery after cesarean section protocols, and more frequent use of labor epidural analgesia. Further, there needs to be improvement in medical education provided in the national language, so that healthcare providers, patients, and their families can build and provide a safe environment for maternity patients. In addition, better provision of services and access to healthcare providers who have been well trained and are dedicated to dealing with obstetric patients.These measures will hopefully enhance the quality of care for maternity patients, focusing on further reduction of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, which is a priority and a highly desirable long-term outcome.