Linkage to Care Is Important and Necessary When Identifying Infections in Migrants

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Jul 22;15(7):1550. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15071550.

Abstract

Migration is an important driver of population dynamics in Europe. Although migrants are generally healthy, subgroups of migrants are at increased risk of a range of infectious diseases. Early identification of infections is important as it prevents morbidity and mortality. However, identifying infections needs to be supported by appropriate systems to link individuals to specialist care where they can receive further diagnostic tests and clinical management. In this commentary we will discuss the importance of linkage to care and how to minimise attrition in clinical pathways.

Keywords: care; health; infection; linkage; migration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Communicable Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Communicable Diseases / epidemiology
  • Communicable Diseases / therapy*
  • Delivery of Health Care / organization & administration*
  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine / methods
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Population Dynamics
  • Transients and Migrants / psychology*
  • Transients and Migrants / statistics & numerical data*