Medical Repatriation in Vermont: The Current Landscape and Recommendations

Authors

Olivia Dominque, The University of VermontFollow
Kelly Knight, The University of VermontFollow
Aathmika Krishnan, The University of VermontFollow
Kassondra Little, The University of VermontFollow
Clara Maxim, The University of VermontFollow
Sofia Toro Alvarez, The University of VermontFollow
Patti Smith Urie, The University of VermontFollow
Mark Pasanen MD, The University of VermontFollow
Charles MacLean MD, The University of VermontFollow

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2022

Focus Area

Social Determinants of Health

Abstract

Background: Medical repatriation is the practice of returning patients to their country of origin when they have major medical problems_. Forced repatriation, or “medical deportation”, disproportionately affects undocumented individuals. This project aimed to assess the prevalence of medical repatriation in Vermont, identity factors that lead to it, and recommendations to prevent it.

Methods: Interviews were conducted with ten stakeholders including physicians, lawmakers, and advocates for undocumented patients. Team members then analyzed interview transcripts for major themes.

Results: This study did not uncover any occurrences of forced repatriation. Qualitative themes included: lack of awareness about medical repatriation, inability to track medical repatriation, social/legal barriers to care among undocumented individuals, and suggestions to prevent medical repatriation. This work also revealed current legislative initiatives focused on healthcare for undocumented individuals.

Conclusion: Medical repatriation is not prevalent in Vermont. However, the increasing number of Vermonters with varying legal statuses in conjunction with rising hospital costs may precipitate economic stressors that put vulnerable patients at higher risk for forced repatriation. Moving forward, efforts may focus on protecting against this event with more inclusive health care coverage and improved clinician awareness about available assistance programs.

Comments

Poster presented at the Annual NNE CO-OP PCBRN Meeting on January 28th, 2023 in Stowe, Vermont.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Dominque, Olivia; Knight, Kelly; Krishnan, Aathmika; Little, Kassondra; Maxim, Clara; Toro Alvarez, Sofia; Urie, Patti Smith; Pasanen, Mark MD; and MacLean, Charles MD, "Medical Repatriation in Vermont: The Current Landscape and Recommendations" (2022). UVM AHEC. 2.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/uvmahec/2