Integrated Health Care and mHealth: A Model of Care for Refugees with Complex Health Conditions

Soc Work Public Health. 2019;34(2):189-200. doi: 10.1080/19371918.2019.1575311. Epub 2019 Feb 18.

Abstract

High rates of comorbid physical and mental health conditions are documented among refugee populations. A dearth of evidence exists on the use of mHealth technologies to support integrated health care models, with interprofessional mental and physical healthcare teams, within the field of refugee health, despite the potential for mHealth technologies to reduce barriers to health care access for vulnerable populations. This conceptual article illustrates how mHealth can facilitate integrated health care models with refugees with comorbid conditions. Implications are made to support the application of mHealth technologies within integrated health care models serving at-risk refugee populations.

Keywords: Refugees; behavioral health; physical health.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Communication Barriers
  • Comorbidity
  • Delivery of Health Care, Integrated*
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Humans
  • Refugees*
  • Telemedicine*
  • Vulnerable Populations