Evaluating an Interprofessional Trauma-Based Education Course to Advance the Care and Health of Refugees.

Refugee patients benefit from interdisciplinary approaches that address trauma-related migration in culturally responsive ways. This qualitative evaluation assessed the interdisciplinary trauma-based course for refugee populations. The qualitative data comes from focus groups and surveys to evaluate medical, social work, and public health students' perceptions of the interprofessional education course of refugee patient care. The evaluators analyzed qualitative data through a thematic content analysis method. Following key themes emerged from students' reflections: (1) collaboration in interdisciplinary learning, (2) role of clinical learning, (3) skills and knowledge related to refugee population care, (4) improvements for interprofessional education, and (5) strengths of the interprofessional education course. The Interprofessional Refugee Health Elective course enhanced their knowledge and competence in refugee health care. Educators, students, and the patient population will benefit from investing in interprofessional education courses that focus on specific needs and complex care management for refugee patients.

Impact of the Boston Marathon Bombing and Its Aftermath on Refugees and Survivors of Torture.

On April 15, 2013, Boston residents and guests gathered for the Boston Marathon. Two explosives at the finish line killed three people and injured hundreds of others. As part of our clinical encounters, patients of the Boston Center for Refugee Health & Human Rights were asked about the marathon bombing. We were concerned about the high level of armed security as many of our patients had been detained in their countries of origin. Eighty patients seen between April 16 and July 7, 2013 were asked about their experience of the Boston Marathon bombing and its aftermath. A retrospective chart review was undertaken and data analyzed using Atlas.ti & SPSS. Approximately 86 % of those interviewed were reminded of their past trauma. The following themes emerged: triggering and trauma related symptoms, content specific cognitive schemas, recognition of the universality of violence, fears of discrimination, issues surrounding safety, and specific concerns of Muslims.