Humanizing Healthcare: Integrating Compassionate Practices for Refugee Well-being

Abstract: In the area of a significant escalation in the numbers of geopolitical conflicts, along with natural and man-made disasters, there is a significant concomitant rise in the number of individuals forced to migrate to adopt the status of refugees. They leave their homelands to evade wars and persecution and to protect their children and families. The prevailing geopolitical environment necessitates a humanistic paradigm in addressing the refugees’ health concerns. This approach becomes not only a practical necessity but also a moral imperative. It not only recognizes and acknowledges individual health needs but also considers the diverse backgrounds and sources of these needs within what is broadly called a “refugee population” as it grounds the discussion in the utmost value of treating individuals with dignity, respect, and empathy they are due. By adapting treatment modalities grounded in comprehensive care, cultural sensitivity, trauma-informed interventions, and patient empowerment, the healthcare system can markedly improve the health outcomes and overall well-being of the refugee population. As global migration continues to rise, the importance of integrating humanistic tenants into the modern healthcare approach becomes more pressing, providing indispensable support to refugees' psychological and social well-being. This presentation will provide an overview of refugees’ unique health needs and construct the humanistic framework in application to healthcare practice. The presentation will also delve into a critical examination of challenges and offer possible solutions to mitigate some of these challenges.