Undocumented Refugee Children in Swedish Healthcare: Nurses' Knowledge concerning Regulations and Their Attitudes about the Care

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate nurses' attitudes about care for undocumented refugee children and also to investigate the knowledge among nurses concerning the regulations for this care. The study is quantitative and based on a questionnaire sent to all nurses working in pediatric healthcare and medical care in a medium-sized county in Sweden. The overall response was 91 questionnaires (55.9%). Most of the respondents felt insecure or lacked knowledge of what regulations are valid when undocumented refugee children seek medical care or healthcare. Almost all nurses had a positive attitude toward caring for these children, but they feel they lack knowledge about the regulations regarding their care. To optimize the care situation for these children the regulations should be reviewed and altered to allow the nurse, legally and securely, to care for them.