Care for pregnant illegal immigrants by the multidisciplinary out-of-hospital team

Abstract

In recent years there has been an increase in the immigrant population, especially among pregnant African women who generally arrive on our coastlines on pateras (a Spanish word used to describe a small boat used by immigrants to cross the Mediterranean). This impacts on the professionals who care for women during childbirth, and for this reason we need a wide range of knowledge to improve the care of this vulnerable group. OBJECTIVES: Develop an action protocol for the multidisciplinary out-of-hospital team for the comprehensive care of pregnant woman who arrive illegally on pateras. Comprehensively assess other actions relevant to this emergency through scientific publications in addition to childbirth care in a multicultural environment. METHOD: An exhaustive systematic bibliographical review of the last eight years was carried out, in Pubmed, in physical libraries, by way of recommendations of the WHO and protocols. Compilation of journals by SciELO, where there are references relating to Italy. RESULTS: They found an abundance of these boats in Andalusia. Extensive out-of-hospital medical deployment and expertise is required to offer quality care until their transfer to hospital. After the analysis we verified the need to develop a protocol for childbirth care, due to the fact that there are no basic care protocols in this environment. CONCLUSION: Given their sociocultural differences, there is a need to individualise the care. Therefore, it is very important to make the intervention team aware of the required tools and skills, in addition to expanding future research with relevant examples in Europe.