Development of a Health Information Resource Portal for Refugee Patients of Limited English Proficiency and Low Health Literacy

Of the many barriers facing newly resettled refugees in the United States, obtaininghealthcare is particularly challenging due to several factors including refugees’ limited English proficiency (LEP), cultural differences between the mainstream American culture and home countries, a lack of health literacy, and confusion in navigating the labyrinth of the U.S. healthcare system. 

To assist refugees in making the most informed health-related decisions, this team focuses on assessing health information needs and how information resources can be used to improve patient-provider communications, thus achieving superior quality of care for vulnerable patients. In collaboration with computer science, they are developing a website that includes health system knowledge and health information tools to help refugee patients access healthcare services and therefore make well-informed decisions for their health and wellbeing.

5th WNY Refugee Health Summit (April 20, 2018): Developing a Health Information Resource Portal for Limited English Proficient and Low Health Literacy Patients

Health literacy and health literacy models for refugee patients (lead author Salman Imtiaz), 2018, North American Conference Refugee Health, June 6-8, Portland, OR.

Development of a health information website for refugee patients (lead author Mary Keovisai), 2018, North American Conference Refugee Health, June 6-8, Portland, OR.