Health service delivery for newly arrived refugee children: a framework for good practice

Aim: To propose a framework for good practice to promote improved access, equity and quality of care in service delivery for newly arrived refugee children.

Methods: Development of a framework based on national and international literature and current service models in Australian paediatric refugee health.

Results: Ten elements of a framework for good practice were identified: comprehensive health screening; coordination of initial and ongoing health care; integration of physical, developmental and psychological health care; consumer participation; culturally and linguistically appropriate service provision; intersectoral collaboration; accessible and affordable services and treatments; data collection and evaluation to inform evidence-based practice; capacity building and sustainability; and advocacy.

Conclusions: High-quality care can be achieved through a range of service models. The elements identified provide a framework for evaluating current services and for planning future service development. The framework for good practice can be applied to facilitate improvements in refugee health care and to reduce the gap between health needs and currently available services.