Supporting patients from migrant backgrounds often involves navigating a unique set of challenges. Language barriers, limited access to previous or incomplete medical histories, and health experiences shaped by migration journeys can all make it more challenging for both patients and clinicians to establish a clear, shared understanding of care needs.
These complexities can have real consequences. When patients struggle to communicate their history or concerns, it can delay diagnosis, reduce engagement, and ultimately impact health outcomes. Addressing these gaps is a key step toward delivering more equitable, high-quality care.
A new suite of migrant health resources, developed by NHS England in collaboration with Doctors of the World UK, is now available to GP practices via the National provider on DXS Point-of-Care.
Designed to fit seamlessly into existing practice workflows, the questionnaires can be shared at the point of registration, either digitally or in paper format, to enhance how practices engage with patients from the very start of their healthcare journey. They are intended to complement, rather than replace, in-person health checks by providing clinicians with valuable information in advance.
Being available in over 28 languages, these resources help patients engage more effectively in their care by providing information in a way that is clear and accessible, ultimately improving both the quality of information collected and the overall patient experience.
For many migrant patients, the first interaction with primary care sets the tone for their ongoing engagement with health services. A more inclusive and culturally sensitive registration process helps build trust, encourages ongoing interaction with healthcare services, and ensures that care is better tailored to individual needs from the outset.
The Adult and Child New Patient Health Questionnaires are designed specifically for refugees and people seeking asylum. These tools enable practices to capture key information before the first consultation, including acute and long-term health needs, medication and vaccination history, health considerations linked to migration journeys, as well as family and lifestyle factors.
By having this information available upfront, clinicians can begin consultations with greater clarity and context, supporting improved prioritisation, safer clinical decision-making, and more focused patient interactions.
As healthcare systems continue to serve increasingly diverse populations, initiatives like this play an important role in reducing inequalities and improving outcomes for all.
Learn more about how SMART Referrals have a positive impact on inequalities. Get in touch – hello@dxs-systems.co.uk
