Innovative model of care for asylum seekers and refugees in Switzerland - Part 280 - Abstract presentation - applicability, adaptations and challenges for different settings

Sep 30, 2026

The abstract examines healthcare access barriers faced by asylum seekers after arrival in host countries, focusing on timely care, language and cultural obstacles, and varied health needs. It presents Switzerland’s canton of Vaud “Migrant Care Units” as a comprehensive care model and critically evaluates it. Drawing on 20 years of evidence, the workshop describes nurse-led first-line consultations supervised by physicians and supported by a cantonal network, assessing limitations and context adaptations. Key discussions include workflow roles, clinical priorities, and cost-effectiveness, plus integrated psychiatric and pediatric care.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Background and Objectives

Workshop Plan

Introduction - Group Discussion

Presentation

Group Discussion

Closing Remarks

Main Messages

2nd World Congress on Migration, Ethnicity, Race & Health Abstract Book vi9 Abstract citation ID: ckaf180 .028 280 Innovative model of care for asylum seekers and refugees in Switzerland: applicability, adaptations and challenges for different settings Kevin Morisod1,2, Rainer Tan, Mary-Louise Bagley, Brigitte Pahud1, Patrick Bodenmann1,2 1Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, Unisanté (Center For Primary Care and Public Health), Lausanne, Switzerland 2Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Chair of Medicine for Vulnerable Populations, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland WKS 19: Innovative Model of Care for Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Switzerland: Applicability, Adaptations and Challenges for Different Settings, B305 (FCSH), September 4, 2025, 14:45-15:45 Background and Objectives: Asylum seekers face challenges in accessing healthcare upon arrival in host countries, including timely access to care, language and cultural barriers, and diverse health needs. As solution, the government of the canton of Vaud in Switzerland established the “Migrant Care Units”, specialized structures offering a comprehensive model of care. This workshop draws upon 20 years of evidence-based practices and research to present and critically examine a model of care that integrates first-line nurse consultations supervised by physicians and supported by a cantonal health network. The objective is to explore the model’s, its limitations and potential adaptations for diverse contexts. Workshop Plan: This 90-minute workshop will utilize an interactive format, combining presentations and group discussions: Introduction – Group Discussion (15minutes): Overview of current challenges in asylum seeker healthcare. Presentation (30minutes): Detailed explanation of the model, including: 1. Structure and Workflow: Highlighting the roles nurses, psychologists, doctors, community interpreters, social workers, and administrative staff, within a cantonal network of external healthcare providers. 2. Clinical Approach: Key considerations during initial healthcare consultations with asylum seekers, including priority illnesses to screen for, and prioritization in the management of common complaints 3. Economic and Public Health Considerations: Evaluating the public health impact, cost-effectiveness, and potential savings associated with comprehensive migrant care models. Group Discussion (40minutes): Participants will be form three groups to discuss the challenges, applicability, and adaptations based on the presentation (20minutes) . Each group will present their findings, followed by feedback from other groups (20minutes) . Closing Remarks (5minutes): Summary of key discussion points and way forward. vi10 European Journal of Public Health, Vol. 35, Supplement 6, 2025 Main Messages: A first-line, nurse-led approach supported by a cantonal physician network may improve healthcare access for new asylum seekers. Integrated care, including psychiatric and pediatric care, represents the future of migrant care and requires rethinking healthcare system organization.

FAQs

What healthcare challenges for asylum seekers does the abstract highlight?

It highlights difficulties accessing timely care after arrival, along with language and cultural barriers and diverse health needs.

What solution does the workshop present in Switzerland?

It presents the canton of Vaud’s “Migrant Care Units,” specialized structures offering a comprehensive migrant care model.

What approach and support does the model use for first-line consultations?

First-line nurse consultations are supervised by physicians and supported by a cantonal health network, integrating roles such as psychologists and social workers.

Sep 30, 2026

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