Equity in practice: Integrating cross cultural health brokers for culturally safe primary care for immigrants and refugees in British Columbia

Abstract

Umbrella Multicultural Health Co-op is a community health centre serving cultural communities of immigrants/refugees in British Columbia. It uses Cross Cultural Health Brokers (CCHBs), multicultural workers bridging patients and the healthcare system, to better meet the primary care needs of immigrant/refugee populations. Through the Team Primary Care initiative, Umbrella Co-op: (1) added new CCHBs alongside allied health practitioners; and (2) implemented team workshops and evaluation for quality improvement. The learning health system framework guided project activities. Comprehensive, culturally responsive primary care for immigrants and refugees benefits from a team-based approach that includes the integration of CCHBs. Team development activities improved team function. Co-developing evaluation with the interprofessional team enabled meaningful participation. Health system design for equity-oriented team-based primary care for immigrants and refugees should include resources for CCHBs and team development infrastructure.