Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
Objectives Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) are a vulnerable group with unique health needs.1 UASC accounted for 5186 asylum applications (7% of the UK total) between 2022–2023. This represented a 5% increase compared to the previous year, and these numbers are expected to increase.2 In the UK, UASC are accommodated by Local Authorities as 'Looked After Children', and Community Paediatricians are often involved in providing Initial Health Assessments (IHAs) for this group.3 RCPCH guidance is available on the care of refugee and asylum-seeking children, particularly addressing their additional physical and mental health needs, as well as communicable disease screening.4 Methods This study retrospectively analysed IHAs done for 19 UASC known to Sheffield City Council in May 2021, with emphasis on whether IHAs were consistent with RCPCH guidance. GP and hospital records were also reviewed. 24 children were initially identified. 5 were excluded, mostly due to incomplete records. Results Table 1 summarises study demographics, while table 2 summarises our main findings. Conclusion Despite a small sample size, this study highlighted that the current approach to UASC health screening was fragmented, and there is need for a dedicated UASC pathway. In response to these results, the Sheffield Children's Hospital IHA guidelines have been updated to provide specific guidance for UASC. This now includes a checklist of additional UASC-specific actions, such as screening for infectious diseases and malnutrition. It was also felt that the COVID pandemic may have affected study results, as pandemic related restrictions affected health and social care service delivery in all areas during 2021. A re-audit is currently underway to provide up to date results on UASC care in Sheffield. References Stevens AJ, How can we meet the health needs of child refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants? Archives of Disease in Childhood, 2020;105(2):191–196. Top facts from the latest statistics on refugees and people seeking asylum. Refugee Council, 2023. R Humphris, N Sigona, Becoming adult research brief: mapping unaccompanied asylum seeking children in England. 2016. Refugee and asylum seeking children and young people – guidance for paediatricians. Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Health Policy team, 2023.
Wan et al. (Tue,) studied this question.