Person-centred, community-oriented, and diversity sensitive primary care for migrants; a EFPC position paper.

Abstract

Aim: This paper aims to describe what constitutes good-quality, accessible, affordable and acceptable primary care for migrants. This includes identifying system adaptations and offering evidence- and practice-based recommendations and guidance for primary care organizations and professionals on how to deliver such care.

Background: Migration has significantly diversified European populations. Migrants often face structural, linguistic, cultural, and systemic barriers in accessing appropriate primary care. While these challenges are well-documented, implementation of effective, inclusive care remains inconsistent across countries.

Methods: This position paper presents a narrative synthesis of existing literature, expert opinions, and recent policy developments. It draws on evidence from healthcare research, policy analyses, and recommendations developed by the European Forum for Primary Care working group on migrants, primarily covering developments from the past decade.

Findings: High-quality primary care for migrants requires coordinated action across care delivery, capacity building, and system-level structures. Care delivery must be person-centred and comprehensive, supported by interprofessional collaboration and professional interpretation. Capacity building depends on training and education that embed diversity-sensitive care, cultural humility, and structural competency. At the system level, policies should guarantee equitable access, continuity of care, and inclusive quality monitoring, while fostering intersectoral partnerships and community engagement.

Conclusion: Embedding person-centred, diversity-sensitive, and community-oriented principles into primary care systems is essential for achieving equitable healthcare for migrant populations. This is an urgent plea to healthcare policymakers, organizations, and professionals to undertake action to realise these reforms as they not only improve care for migrants but contribute to stronger, sustainable and more resilient health systems overall.