Improving Healthcare Access for Migrants with the HealthMi Project
In today’s interconnected world, migrants often face significant challenges when accessing healthcare services. Language barriers, lack of information, and unfamiliarity with local health systems can prevent migrants from receiving timely and appropriate care. The HealthMi Project set out to address these challenges by developing innovative tools that empower both migrants and healthcare professionals to improve health literacy, access to care, and cultural competence in healthcare delivery.
The HealthMi Project is a collaborative initiative funded by the EU, designed to enhance healthcare access for migrants by providing them with the resources they need to navigate local healthcare systems. At the same time, the project equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools required to deliver culturally sensitive care. The project aimed to bridge the gap between migrants and healthcare services through a combination of educational tools, interactive platforms, and capacity-building programs.
The HealthMi Project partners include:
University of Piraeus Research Center (Greece)
ENOROS Consulting Limited (Cyprus)
Fundacja dla Migrantov (Poland)
PRISM Impresa Sociale s.r.l. (Italy)
Ibonis European Research Projects S.L. (Spain)
The Results of the Project
- R1: Code of Conduct for Health Literacy
- The HealthMi project developed a Code of Conduct for Health Literacy, a set of guidelines that ensures healthcare communication is clear, accessible, and culturally appropriate for migrants. It was created based on interviews with healthcare professionals and best practice reports from partner countries, then translated into five languages to maximize accessibility.
- R2: In-Service Training Program for Healthcare Professionals
- A core component of the project is a nine-module In-Service Training Program designed to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals in providing culturally competent care. The training covers topics such as migrant health rights, mental health, and effective communication. The program was piloted in each partner country and translated into multiple languages, ensuring wide applicability.
- R3: Hybrid Training Curriculum for Migrants
- The Hybrid Training Curriculum is a nine-module program developed to empower migrants with essential health literacy skills. The curriculum teaches migrants how to navigate local healthcare systems, understand their health rights, and manage their mental and physical well-being. It was also translated into seven languages and piloted across partner countries to ensure its effectiveness.
- R4: HealthMi Multilingual Gateway
- One of the standout achievements of the HealthMi project is the creation of the HealthMi Multilingual Gateway, a digital platform that provides migrants and healthcare professionals with easy access to healthcare information and resources. Available in seven languages, the Gateway allows users to connect with local health services, access training materials, and engage in discussions through an interactive forum.
The HealthMi project had a significant impact on both migrants and healthcare professionals across Europe. By focusing on both groups, the project ensured that healthcare access was improved from both the demand and supply sides. Migrants gained access to vital healthcare information in a language they understand, while healthcare providers were trained to communicate effectively with and care for diverse populations.
Visit https://www.healthmiproject.eu/ for more information
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