Initial assessment of immigrant patients in primary care

• Published in: Atención primaria Vol. 56; no. 7; p. 102896
• Main Authors: González Martínez, María Ángeles, Castaño Suero, María Jesús, Guerrero Muñoz, Marta, Francisco Rossetti, Agustín, Sequeira Aymar, Ethel, Roca Saumell, Carme
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Spain 01.07.2024
• Subjects: Emigrants and Immigrants; Humans; Primary Health Care; Inmigrantes; International health; Screening; Atención primaria; Vacunas; Primary health care; Cribado; Salud internacional; Vaccines; Immigrants
• ISSN: 1578-1275; 1578-1275
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aprim.2024.102896

The clinical interview of immigrant patients requires cultural competence to ensure good understanding and correct communication, in addition to collecting specific information that differs from that of native patients, such as origin and migratory route or cultural identity. Screening for latent tuberculosis infection is recommended in certain cases and screening for other infections, both cosmopolitan with a higher prevalence in migrants (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C) and imported (Chagas, intestinal parasites, strongyloidiasis, schistosomiasis), depending on origin. It is essential to check the vaccination status and complete the vaccination schedule, adapting it to the current calendar, prioritizing vaccines such as measles, rubella and poliomyelitis. We propose preventive activities to be carried out when traveling to countries of origin, due to their special characteristics and risks: general advice, exploring the risk of malaria, assessing specific vaccinations, advice regarding sexually transmitted infections and special considerations if they have chronic diseases; and addressing, if appropriate, the risks of female genital mutilation.