A retrospective review of specialist referrals for refugees into Greece’s health system: A humanitarian organization’s perspective

Abstract

Aim: Refugee arrivals to Europe have numbered more than one million since 2015 with the majority arriving through Greece. The healthcare needs of refugees have placed strains on Greece’s healthcare system which has already been affected by its ongoing economic crisis. At the peak of arrivals during 2016, primary healthcare was primarily provided by humanitarian organizations with specialist referrals into the Greek healthcare system. There is little published literature on the type and impacts of specialist referrals for refugees in Greece. The aim of this retrospective review is to identify the type and impacts of specialist referrals for refugees into Greece’s health system. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the number and type of specialty referrals from one humanitarian organization providing primary healthcare for refugees in Greece. All consultations during an 8-month period (December 1, 2016–July 31, 2017) were reviewed. Results: Of 4168 consultations, 42% were patients aged 17 years or younger, 52% were male, and 90% were Syrian. Two hundred and thirty-three patients (11%) required a specialist referral; 25% were for dental (provided by another humanitarian organization), 10% each for obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics, and 8% for ophthalmology. Respiratory complaints were most frequently seen, and these were more predominant in the winter months. Pediatric consultations varied according to month, likely due to population movements. Conclusion: Dentistry was noted to be a gap in humanitarian response programming and accounted for the greatest need for specialist input with referrals for women and children accounting for a large proportion of referrals.