A call for nurses and interdisciplinary collaborators to urgently respond to the health and well-being needs of refugees across the world

Digital mental health interventions for the mental health care of refugees and asylum seekers: Integrative literature review

This study aimed to provide a critical analysis of the current literature on the use of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) for the management and treatment of mental health disorders among refugees and asylum seekers. These groups are among the most disadvantaged compared to the general population in terms of health and socio-economic status, due to conflicts and wars. The number of refugees fleeing their home countries is growing exponentially, and refugees experience trauma, torture, persecution and human right abuses, which have a profound effect on their mental health and overall well-being. The researchers conducted an integrative literature review from electronic databases Medline, CINAHL and Google Scholar, selecting articles published in English from 2010 to 2023. The thematic analysis of the 10 articles identified in the review revealed four main themes and two sub-themes: (1) types of digital health intervention/apps used; (2) barriers encountered in digital health intervention; (3) user experience of the digital health intervention and (4) mapping gaps. Two sub-themes were identified located in Theme 2: (2.1) Language and demographic barriers and (2.2) Structural barriers. The study showed that the use of DMHIs was associated with positive experiences among refugees and asylum seekers. Limited mental health care is offered to refugees and asylum seekers due to a range of logistical, political, economic, geographical, language, cultural and social barriers. DMHIs have the potential to overcome and/or moderate these barriers. The study concludes that the scaled implementation of effective DMHIs holds the possibility to improve the wider distribution of mental health care among refugees and asylum seekers. However, further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of DMHIs and to scale up studies for their utilisation among this group. In summary, this study highlights the potential of DMHIs in improving the mental health care of refugees and asylum seekers. The results of this study have important implications for mental health service providers, policymakers and researchers to address the mental health needs of this vulnerable/priority group.

Desiring support on a winding road with challenging intersections: Social and professional support for sexual minority forced migrant men

AIM

To explore experiences of social and health professional support among sexual minority forced migrant men.

DESIGN

Exploratory qualitative study.

METHODS

Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2023 with 15 participants recruited through convenience, purposive and snowball sampling. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed with systematic text condensation in a collaborative process between researchers and experts by lived experience.

RESULTS

The first category was 'desiring support along a road with challenging intersections'. Participants encountered a harsh reality and dangers in the host country. They sought social connections and communicated with others whilst in a social labyrinth within a new and reserved society. Although social support was desired and highly appreciated, the process involved a spectrum of both belonging and exclusion. The second category was 'navigating uncharted waters when seeking affirming health services'. A range of barriers to health services were encountered in a complex health system. Participants emphasized the importance of safe and affirming spaces that accommodate the vulnerability of disclosure.

CONCLUSION

Ensuring respectful and affirming support for sexual minority forced migrants is essential. Barriers in accessing health services need to be addressed, including informing about rights and ensuring safety.

IMPLICATION FOR THE PROFESSIONAL AND PATIENT CARE

Nurses and other health professionals can consider social support as a potentially valuable resource for health promotion. However, there is a need for more research investigating its mental health effects.

IMPACT

The intersectional disadvantages and discrimination encountered by sexual minority forced migrants call attention to the need for further advancements in inclusion health and affirming care.

REPORTING METHOD

This study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Three sexual minority forced migrants were members of the research team. They were involved in the data collection, analysis and reporting in close collaboration with researchers.

Nurses work motivation caring for an immigrant population: A qualitative historical analysis

AIM

Qualitative Phenomenological analysis of nurses' experience working with immigrants, exploring the dimension of work motivation.

BACKGROUND

Nurses' professional motivation and job satisfaction affects quality of care, work performance, burnout and resilience. The challenge of maintaining professional motivation is reinforced when providing care to refugees and new immigrants. In recent years, a large number of refugees sought sanctuary in Europe, resulting in the formation of refugee camps and asylum centers. Medical staff - including nurses - are involved in patient-caregiver encounter treating multicultural immigrant/refugee population.

DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

A qualitative Phenomenological Methodology was employed. In-depth semi structured interviews and archival research were both used.

RESULTS

Study population - 93 certified nurses working between the years 1934-2014. Thematic and text analysis was employed. Four main motivation themes emerged from the interviews: duty, mission, perception of devotion and the general responsibility to bridge the cultural gap for the immigrant patients.

CONCLUSION

The findings emphasize the importance of understanding nurses' motivations in working with immigrants.

Cultural competency among Lithuanian nurses and preparedness to work with intercultural immigrants: A quantitative study protocol

Introduction

Health care providers are increasingly required to provide care to patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. A culturally competent approach could be used to address gaps in the health care of migrants, whether they are refugees, asylum seekers, or undocumented migrants. From June 2021 onward, there are estimated to be 4,300 asylum seekers in Lithuania who crossed the Belarusian border. Furthermore, ~65 thousand Ukrainians registered within 6 months of the beginning of the war on 24 February 2022.

Aim

To determine the cultural competence of Lithuanian nurses using the Nurse Cultural Competence Scale (NCCS) questionnaire.

Methods

A quantitative study evaluating the cultural competency of nursing professionals will be conducted using the Lithuanian version of the Nurse Cultural Competence Scale (NCCS). The study will be conducted in Lithuanian municipalities and will involve primary, secondary, and tertiary health care providers.

Discussion

This study will provide data that can guide the development and evaluation of interventions designed to reduce health disparities among migrants, including the need to identify the appropriate type of cultural competency training for nurses. In addition to the results of this study, it may provide an indication of other cultural competency required for nurses. This includes consideration of religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, household classifications on the basis of urban vs. rural areas, language spoken, and country of origin.