Health screening of asylum seekers -from a district nurse perspective : A qualitative interview study

The Swedish health care system has in recent years been faced with a challenge in relation to the increased inflow of refugees. Under Swedish law, asylum seekers should be provided the opportunity to receive health screening to determine the risk of infection and the possible need for care, as well as information about the Swedish health care to be provided. The health screening is conducted by district nurses and nurses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the nurses' experience of conducting health screening of asylum seekers. A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was used as method of data collection. A total of eleven interviews were conducted with district nurses in two counties, in eight cities. Data from the interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. This resulted in three main themes, Health screening characteristics vary, Cultural differences affect the meeting and Challenging for the district nurse. The results showed that the district nurses' organization of and the approach to the health screenings differ. The mental health of asylum seekers is seen by district nurses in a high degree and this is experienced problems with the care. Intercultural competence and improved communications capabilities were key elements associated with health screening of asylum seekers. The term 'health care that cannot be postponed "was considered difficult to assess and there is a risk that asylum seekers receive incongruent treatment