Case Study: Adaptation of Health Services in Response to Migration Crises: “The Colombian EMT Barco San Raffaele Experience”

Abstract

Background/Introduction:

Migration and forced displacement are remodeling cities and countries. The number of people being displaced due to war, persecution, serious human rights violations and disturbance in social and political order has increased exponentially. Colombia is a vivid example of a massive mixed migration crisis, receiving refugees from Venezuela, crossed by migrants of various origins and a protracted internal displacement affecting mostly its Pacific Region.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to showcase the field experience of the Colombian EMT Hospital Barco San Raffaele through its response to two forced displacement crises: (1) in Colombia’s Pacific Region, and (2) Venezuelan refugees, aiming at providing evidence for the improvement of EMTs Type1 Standards of care.

Method/Description:

Mix method case study methodology is employed to describe a complex phenomenon of mixed-migration. Data is gathered from response reports, program activities, clinical presentations; data will be analyzed using triangulation method, allowing comparison between adaption of health services, configuration of teams, legal frameworks, using the surge capacity components (4S) and current standards of care for Type1 EMTs.

Results/Outcomes:

Preliminary analysis shows the need to adapt services and configure teams to respond to volatile contexts; collaboration, negotiation, coordination, interoperability with local institutions, organizations and community leaders prove to be key to ensure credibility, access, and quality of care.

Conclusion:

Enabling factors such as legal frameworks have a major impact/influence in ensuring access to care to displaced populations, facilitating or preventing responses. EMTs Type 1 Standards of care must be adapted if teams are to respond to this worldwide phenomenon.