Brussels university supports EU platform to improve migrant mental healthcare
Migrants and refugees in Belgium face significant obstacles when accessing mental healthcare. To help tackle this issue, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) announced on Thursday that its researchers are joining the EU-funded MentalHealth4All. The project involves the creation of a multilingual platform to improve communication and access between professionals and migrant patients.
The project, developed with 13 partners from nine countries, aims to break down the linguistic and cultural barriers that hinder access to quality mental health services. Misunderstandings between patients and providers are common, leading to frustration, miscommunication and disrupted treatment.
First point of contact
These issues are exacerbated by a lack of familiarity with the Belgian healthcare system, in which the general practitioner (GP) is usually the first point of contact for specialised care, unlike in many migrants’ countries of origin.
These barriers are of particular concern given that migrants and refugees are at an increased risk of developing psychological disorders, such as PTSD and psychosis, due to the trauma they experience before, during and after migration.
To address this issue, MentalHealth4All provides a range of practical tools, a multilingual database and a series of educational videos. These videos were co-developed by VUB researchers, doctors, psychologists, social workers and intercultural mediators. The ten videos cover topics such as navigating cultural differences, recognising mental health conditions and collaborating with interpreters. They are intended to inform and stimulate critical reflection among professionals.
We’re continuously improving the platform based on feedback
"Both migrants and care providers see real value in the platform," said Dr Koen Kerremans, a VUB researcher. "But there’s still work to be done. We’re continuously improving the platform based on feedback, and we’re working towards integrating it into national healthcare structures. Only then can we bring about lasting, systemic change.”
The multilingual platform was conceived from the outset as a European tool and is freely accessible. It is estimated that 84 million people in the EU suffer from mental health disorders.
© MentalHealth4All
Related News
