Integration of Waiting Room "Know Your Rights" Education into Medical Care of Immigrant Patients in a Federally Qualified Health Center: A Case Study

Health Equity. 2022 Jan 17;6(1):13-20. doi: 10.1089/heq.2020.0145. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Background: Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are implementing innovative interventions to address heightened anxieties of immigrant patients amid changing immigration policies. Purpose: To describe the integration of "Know Your Rights" legal rights education in clinic waiting rooms of an FQHC in Los Angeles, California. Methods: This is a qualitative study using key informant interviews, direct field observations, and document review. Results: Collaboration with community health workers and local immigrant-serving community-based and legal organizations was key to intervention design and implementation. Conclusion: Integrating legal education into medical care is one action health centers can take to support immigrant patients, address their complex realities, and optimize patients.

Keywords: health disparities; immigrant health; legal rights education; medical legal collaboration.