Multicultural health broker and social work practitioner collaboration in targeting immigrant and refugee women's health

Purpose

To discuss how multicultural health brokers (MCHBs) and social work practitioners  work together to address health equity for immigrant and refugee women while at the same time supporting women’s perinatal health needs

 

Methods

A qualitative case study design including: Participant and direct observation, face-to-face interviews, document review, and analysis of archival records and artifacts. Through these research techniques, data were explored to identify how MCHBs deliver a perinatal outreach program that engages both immigrant and refugee women and social work practitioners helping these women.

 

Results

MCHBs provide culturally- and linguistically-appropriate services to immigrant and refugee families, they know the language and culture and are trusted by these communities.  This research shows that MCHBs work with individuals and groups, undertake community development initiatives, and provide educational outreach on chronic disease prevention and management, as well as offering family intervention programs to address child abuse and neglect.  MCHBs who work in family intervention receive training from government agencies to make sure that MCHBs are aware of their legislated responsibilities as workers. Some brokers see their practice as a hybrid of peer support worker, settlement counsellor, social worker, friend and mentor for their clients, others seek to empower and engage communities experiencing harsh social, political and economic circumstances; a few do both.

Conclusion

The challenges and successes of the MCHBs’ perinatal and family intervention program for immigrant and refugee women illustrate the importance of collaboration between brokers and social work practitioners committed to addressing immediate needs, as well as, health equity for these populations.