Building capacity in primary health care to respond to the needs of asylum seekers and refugees in Melbourne, Australia: the 'GP Engagement' initiative

Abstract

Asylum seekers and refugees experience poorer health than the broader Australian population. Universal primary healthcare services play an integral role in supporting and optimising the health and wellbeing of these communities. However, clinical-level issues frequently compromise the quality of care provided to these groups. The ‘GP Engagement’ initiative, implemented in the south-eastern region of Melbourne, aimed to build capacity within universal primary health care to respond to the needs of asylum seekers and refugees. This involved engaging general practice clinics, resourcing them with tools and frameworks, and undertaking collaborative problem-solving on refugee issues. Evaluation methods included: rigorous record keeping; pre- and post-practice assessments guided by a self-reported ‘12-Point Checklist’; and participant feedback. Findings from 57 participating health professionals indicated changes in the way that GPs work with asylum seekers and refugees. ‘GP Engagement’ suggests that it is possible to build primary healthcare responsiveness to asylum seekers and refugees through a strategic regional approach that is firmly grounded in evidence-based practice and considerate of the requirements and constraints of GPs.