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. 2022 Aug 26;19(17):10656.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph191710656.

Challenges in the Medical and Psychosocial Care of the Paediatric Refugee-A Systematic Review

Jakub Klas  1 , Aleksandra Grzywacz  1 , Katarzyna Kulszo  1 , Arkadiusz Grunwald  1 , Natalia Kluz  1 , Mikołaj Makaryczew  1 , Marzena Samardakiewicz  1
Affiliations

Challenges in the Medical and Psychosocial Care of the Paediatric Refugee-A Systematic Review

Jakub Klas et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: After the invasion of Ukraine, neighbouring countries were forced to find systemic solutions to provide medical care to those fleeing the war, including children, as soon as possible. In order to do this, it is necessary to know the communication problems with refugee minors and find proposals for their solutions.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature from 2016 to 2022 was conducted according to PRISMA criteria.

Results: Linguistic diversity and lack of professional readiness of teachers are the main constraints hindering the assistance of refugee children in schools. Problems during hospitalization include lack of continuity of medical care and lack of retained medical records. Solutions include the use of the 3C model (Communication, Continuity of care, Confidence) and the concept of a group psychological support program.

Conclusions: In order to provide effective assistance to refugee minors, it is necessary to create a multidisciplinary system of care. It is hoped that the lessons learned from previous experiences will provide a resource to help refugee host countries prepare for a situation in which they are forced to provide emergency assistance to children fleeing war.

Keywords: Ukraine; paediatric refugees; refugee crisis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Polulation movement and displacement of refugees from Ukraine to neightbouring countries (as of 15 March 2022) (Reprinted from [3]).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Figures from the systematic review (based on [13]).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Diagram of model 3C [54].
Figure 4
Figure 4
Proposal for a three-step system to improve communication between paediatric patients and medical facilities.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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