Comprehensive health assessment for newly arrived refugee children in Australia

N. Davidson, S. Skull, G. Chaney, A. Frydenberg, D. Isaacs, P. Kelly, B. Lampropoulos, S. Raman, D. Silove, J. Buttery, M. Smith, Z. Steel, D. Burgner

Research output: Contribution to journalReview ArticleResearchpeer-review

67 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Providing appropriate and responsive care to refugees from diverse backgrounds and with unique health needs is challenging. Refugee children may present with a wide range of conditions, which may be unfamiliar to health professionals in developed countries. Additionally, refugees may experience unfamiliarity with the Australian health system and distrust of authority figures and/or medical practitioners. This article provides an overview of the priority areas in health and health management for paediatric refugee patients for paediatricians as well as other relevant health care providers caring for this group. Specific issues covered include general health assessment, infectious diseases, immunization, growth and nutrition, oral health, development and disability, mental health and child protection. Comprehensive health assessment can assist in identifying children at risk of poor health and to provide them with timely and effective care, advocacy and appropriate referral.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)562-568
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Paediatrics and Child Health
Volume40
Issue number9-10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sep 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Australia
  • Children
  • Comprehensive health assessment
  • Health needs
  • Refugee

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