The role of mind-body interventions in traumatised refugees’ primary care: A qualitative exploration of professionals’ experiences in a dedicated programme in Geneva

Abstract

Post-traumatic physical and psychological symptoms are pervasive among refugees. Primary care staff face numerous challenges and often seek innovative ways of addressing their refugee patients’ physical and mental health needs. A nascent body of literature suggests that mind-body interventions (MBIs¹) have a positive effect on post-traumatic symptoms in this population. But the quality of evidence is still poor, and little is known about the role MBI could play in the primary care of refugees. Following the implementation of two different kinds of MBI in a dedicated primary care unit, this study aimed to explore staff members’ perceptions and prescribing habits for MBI. Given the paucity of information about this topic, we used a qualitative design combining ethnography and discourse analysis providing in-depth insight into professionals’ experiences of MBI. Data collected over five-months of non-participative observation and the transcription of twelve interviews were analysed following the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis method (IPA) yielding four main results: (1) Generally poor initial understanding of MBI; (2) A variety of conditions and situations where MBIs appeared acceptable and helpful; (3) A persistent lack of experience and knowledge about the indications for MBI, hindering prescription; (4) The importance of articulating MBIs with mental health services. These results, in the light of the existing literature, suggest that stronger evidence for MBI efficacy for refugees is required, a key to improving professionals’ understanding of MBI, providing them with explicit prescription criteria, and encouraging stakeholders to implement these innovative interventions.