Integrated behavioral health care for Karen refugees: a qualitative exploration of active ingredients

Year Published:

Abstract

Purpose:
The purpose of this paper is to explore the “active ingredients” of integrated behavioral health care (IBHC) from the perspective of Karen refugee participants in an IBHC intervention.

Design/methodology/approach:
This paper is based on in-depth, semi-structured interviews with participants (n=40) who have received an IBHC intervention for one year. These qualitative data are supplemented by descriptive quantitative data from those same participants.

Findings:
This research suggested that IBHC increased awareness and access to behavioral health services, and that IBHC may be especially amenable to treating complex health conditions. The research also found that IBHC provided a point of regular contact for patients who had limited time with their primary care providers, which helped to enhance access to and engagement with health care.

Practical implications:
IBHC has the potential to meet the complex needs of Karen resettled refugees living in an urban setting in the USA.

Originality/value:
IBHC is a promising approach to help meet the mental health needs of refugees in the USA. There are, however, gaps in knowledge about the “active ingredients” of IBHC. This paper helps fill these gaps by studying how IBHC works from the perspective of a group of Karen refugees; these are critical perspectives, missing in the literature, which must be heard in order to better address the complex conditions and needs of resettled refugees.

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What are the impacts of case management on refugees?

While rigorous evidence is limited, the literature suggests that case management is associated with numerous positive outcomes. The body of evidence is largely suggestive in rigor and yields generally positive outcomes, although some studies show mixed results. The one available impact study yields positive results. The available studies have examined diverse outcomes such as self-sufficiency,…

About this study

AGE: Adults

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Positive impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Paid

HOST COUNTRY: United States

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: High

INTERVENTION DURATION: Weekly or biweekly sessions for approximately one year

OUTCOME AREA: Mental Health

POPULATION: Refugees

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): Asia – South

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Suggestive

TYPE OF STUDY: Suggestive evidence

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2018

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