No abstract

The EHES protocols to standardize HES measurements and procedures for collection of blood samples are feasible in cross-country settings. The prerequisite for successful standardization is adequate training. External and internal evaluation activities during the survey fieldwork are also needed to monitor compliance to standards.

IntroductionPrevious migrant population studies have shown that immigrants experience high level of psychological load and difficulties in accessing care. This is especially prevalent in those with refugee background. To tackle this issue, the PALOMA2 project (National support system for refugee mental health work and the knowhow dissemination) establishes a National PALOMA Centre of Expertise (PALOMA COE) for mental health work among refugees.ObjectivesThe PALOMA COE consists of all five University Hospital Areas and an NGO representative. The PALOMA COE work is becoming a permanent part of the Finnish health care structure. Each represented region has their own specific strengths and challenges, and the formation of Regional PALOMA COEs is planned accordingly. Together these Regional PALOMA COEs form the National PALOMA COE. Here we dive deeper into the Tampere University Hospital Region’s formation of PALOMA COE.MethodsPsychiatric Clinic for Refugees (PCR) has been working for over 24 years in the Tampere City area. PCR has a long history of PALOMA COE work in forms of clinical work, consulting and training professionals working with refugee mental health. From the beginning of 2021, PCR is integrating with Tampere University Hospital.ResultsAs a part of the integration process, the PALOMA COE work has a possibility to expand to the entire University Hospital area and better fulfill the specific needs of the entire region.ConclusionsThe integration will improve the resources, quality and access to mental health care among people with refugee background.

Issue Previous migrant population studies have shown that immigrants experience higher level of psychological load than the overall population. This is especially prevalent in those with refugee background. The PALOMA project (Developing National Mental Health Policies for Refugees) was launched in 2016 to tackle this wellbeing cap. One outcome of the project was a PALOMA handbook, which includes recommendations as well as methods and tools for decision-makers, supervisors and professionals for promoting refugees' mental health and preventing, identifying and treating the problems. During the PALOMA project, the need for national coordination, establishing regional Centre of Expertises and support on refugees mental health work was recognized. Results To fulfill this need, the PALOMA2 project (National support system for refugee mental health work and the knowhow dissemination) started in February 2019. The PALOMA2-project establishes a Centre of Expertise for mental health work among refugees. The project personnel includes five regional experts, that each know the specific strengths and challenges of their region, and an expert from the 3rd sector, that ensures that the target group's and the 3rd sector's voice is heard throughout the project. Each of these six experts also pilot two tools from the PALOMA handbook. Lessons As a result of the PALOMA work, the mental health and mental health work with the refugees will be improved. The PALOMA Centre of Expertise will be a place of consultation, influencing, education, networking, developing and work guidance, and it will help all professionals that work in the field. Key messages The PALOMA Centre of Expertise is involved in developing different services in ways that improve refugee’s mental health and equal access for the developed services. The PALOMA Centre of Expertise will be a permanent part of the Finnish social and health care structure.

No abstract