Evidence-based nursing practices in primary care services for migrants: A systematic literature review

Experiencing migration differently affects the health of individuals according to additional factors of vulnerability as gender or legal status. In primary care services, nurses are key actors in caring for such vulnerable migrants but evidence-based practices are still lacking. This literature review aims at identifying evidence-based nursing practices in primary care services for vulnerable migrant populations. Methods. We identified nursing interventions caring for migrants in primary care services in the literature published between 2000 and 2015. Vulnerability of the migrants was measured with the PROGRESS framework. Nursing components of the interventions were analyzed according to the 6 dimensions of the model of Advance Practice Nursing (Hamric et al. 2014). Quality appraisal included 8 criteria, each study received a score of quality. Results. We reviewed 104 papers and found 30 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Being vulnerable as a migrant was mostly defined as not being able to communicate with the health professionals (n=20). Most interventions targeted type 2 diabetes (n=8) and cardiovascular diseases (n=8). Attention to the specific needs of the migrants was achieved through cultural and linguistic adaptations but only one intervention included the intersectionality of risk factors (e.g. paying attention to migration, gender and socioeconomic status). Expert guidance/coaching and consultation were the two advanced practice nursing components reported in all studies. Collaboration, leadership, research and ethical decision-making skills were not reported in the retrieved studies. Overall, nursing interventions appear to be effective in improving health outcomes for migrants. Conclusion. This literature review provides a relevant basis for researches and professional development for nurses. Further studies should support the development of collaboration, leadership, research and ethical decision-making skills of nurses in primary care services