[Migration without borders, but...barriers of meaning]

Rev Med Suisse. 2007 Nov 28;3(135):2710-2, 2714-7.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Immigration, a political, economic, demographic, social and ethic, as well as a medical issue, continues. Among migrants, asylum seekers, refugees and undocumented immigrants are characterised by their vulnerability, particularly related to their health status. Western physicians are more and more frequently confronted to "colorful" and often vulnerable patients. They face diseases related to international migrations; and at the same time have to integrate the differences in representations and meanings given to illness by patients of diverse origins. A bio-psychosocial and spiritual approach coupled with an evaluation of pre-migration, migration and post-migration trajectories is therefore useful for the clinician; these complementary approaches have all been integrated in the learning of cultural competencies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Bottle Feeding / adverse effects*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cultural Competency
  • Dental Care for Children*
  • Dental Caries / etiology*
  • Dental Caries / therapy
  • Developed Countries
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / diagnosis
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / therapy
  • Earache / etiology
  • Emigration and Immigration*
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Mental Health*
  • Periapical Abscess / etiology*
  • Periapical Abscess / therapy
  • Physician's Role
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / etiology*