IJPDS International Journal of Population Data Science

Swansea University is using a new method to identify the health records of people seeking sanctuary in the UK. Working with the SAIL (Secure Anonymised Information Linkage) Databank, a repository of routine health data, they are able to access fully anonymised health records. By examining General Practice data, it is possible to identify all the patients who were recorded in the system as refugees or asylum seekers by their GP. These data can then be linked to maternal and infant health records to compare the use of maternity care services and health outcomes between mothers identified as refugees or asylum seekers and UK-born mothers. By doing so, it is possible to determine whether there are any significant differences between these groups.

There are over 500,000 asylum seekers and refugees who have sought sanctuary in the UK. A large portion of these are women of childbearing age and, while government guidance highlights the importance of protecting the health and wellbeing of pregnant and postpartum asylum seekers, there are reports of complex issues and challenges in this area.

Indeed, pregnant women seeking sanctuary in the UK often face financial difficulties, inadequate housing, and exceptionally stressful situations. In Wales, which was declared the first Nation of Sanctuary in 2019, there are around 3000 asylum seekers currently receiving public support. Welsh strategic plans and policies include provisions to meet the health needs of people seeking sanctuary, reduce barriers to high-quality healthcare, and promote good practices to improve their health outcomes.

The findings from this study show that it is possible to examine and monitor the provision of services and health outcomes of people seeking sanctuary in Wales to ensure that their health and welfare needs are met. This study will also demonstrate how we can use existing routine health data in new and original ways to identify specific groups, monitor their use of healthcare services and health outcomes, and recognise any possible inequalities.

Author Alix Bukkfalvi-Cadotte says “This type of research is incredibly important; our findings can be used to inform future policy and practice to improve maternity care and contribute to the reduction of health inequalities in Wales.”

 

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Alix Bukkfalvi-Cadotte, PhD student, Swansea University Medical School, UK

Bukkfalvi-Cadotte, A., Khanom, A., Brown, A. and Snooks, H. (2024) “Maternity care experiences and outcomes of people seeking sanctuary in Wales: a data linkage study protocol”, International Journal of Population Data Science, 9(2). doi: 10.23889/ijpds.v9i2.2399.