Asylum Medicine: A Clinician's Guide

Asylum medicine is a developing field that focuses on the medical and psychological evaluation of individuals who have fled their homes due to torture and other forms of ill-treatment. Health professionals with training in asylum medicine can provide valuable assessments and testimony in legal proceedings, advocating for the rights of asylum seekers. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the field, including its historical and legal background, best practices for conducting examinations, and challenges associated with examining detained asylum seekers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 249 pages
Publication date: 27 November 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Asylum medicine, a rapidly evolving field within healthcare, focuses on conducting comprehensive medical forensic evaluations of individuals seeking refuge. In the backdrop of a historic global displacement driven by human rights violations, conflict, and persecution, there is a growing interest in examining the medical and psychological well-being of those subjected to torture and other forms of ill-treatment. Health professionals, with their unique skills and expertise, possess the capacity to make significant contributions to this vulnerable population, fleeing danger and death in their home countries.

The role of health professionals in asylum medicine involves conducting medical and psychological forensic evaluations of asylum seekers. Their educational background equips them with the knowledge and skills to examine and document physical and emotional scars resulting from trauma. Through additional training, they gain the ability to assess these scars in the context of persecution, articulate them in medical-legal affidavits, and provide testimony to support their findings. Furthermore, asylum medicine providers often engage in advocacy efforts, as many governments exhibit hostility towards asylum seekers. While there are books on human rights, there is a lack of an authoritative text specifically dedicated to asylum medicine. This book, authored by esteemed experts in the field, aims to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive overview of asylum medicine.

The book delves into the historical and legal background of asylum law, emphasizing its significance in protecting individuals from persecution. It outlines best practices for conducting asylum examinations, considering the unique challenges posed by examining detained asylum seekers. Additionally, the book addresses the education of trainees in asylum medicine and advocates for the protection and rights of asylum seekers.

Asylum Medicine: A Clinician's Guide stands as a groundbreaking resource for healthcare providers engaged in asylum medicine. It offers a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the field, covering various aspects and providing practical insights for practitioners. By leveraging the expertise of these authors, healthcare professionals can enhance their understanding of asylum medicine, improve their assessment skills, and contribute to the well-being of those seeking refuge.

Weight: 403g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030815820
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022