A systematic literature review of service-related research on refugees

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to systematically review and conceptualise service-related research on refugees to identify gaps in the literature, derive future research avenues and stimulate interdisciplinary research and practice to improve well-being of refugees. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a systematic literature review (SLR) of 102 journal articles published or available online from 2010 to 2020. Findings Ten themes are identified across the three phases of the refugees’ service journey (entry, transition and exit). Most of the articles focus on the exit phase. One-third of the literature analyses refugees’ access and adaptation to health-care services. The dearth of research on other refugee services reflects the failure to attend to all aspects of service provision across all phases of the refugee service journey. Research limitations/implications While the ten themes across the three phases require scholars’ and practitioners’ attention, different aspects of the SLR’s findings necessitate further investigation. To reinvigorate research and practice, and stimulate interdisciplinary collaboration, a novel Communities of Practice approach is suggested. Practical implications Practitioners and policymakers should place more focus on the entry and transition phases of the refugee service journey. Social implications Lack of research and engagement with the first two phases of the refugee journey might come at the expense of refugees. More service support is needed to buffer the journey from homeland to host country. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this SLR on refugee-related services is the first of its kind from a service research perspective.