Refugee-Centered Medical Home: A New Approach To Care at the University of Louisville Global Health Center

Abstract

Refugees arrive to the United States with a full spectrum of health conditions, many of which involve intense case management requiring significant financial investments and use of healthcare resources. Kentucky receives more than 3,000 new refugees each year and ranked 10th in the nation for numbers of new arrivals resettled during 2015. These refugees arrive from diverse countries representing different cultures and speaking different languages. In addition, they arrive with diverse health conditions and medical needs. The aims of this paper are to share experiences from the University of Louisville Global Health Center regarding conceptualization, implementation and evaluation of a new care model. This model focuses on the complexities of caring for refugees from diverse populations and backgrounds. The foundation for this model aligns with the patient-centered medical home approach outlined by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Recognizing the need for a new paradigm for care, a refugee-centered medical home model was designed and implemented as an ideal approach.