title: Refuah Shlema: a cross-cultural programme for promoting communication and health among Ethiopian immigrants in the primary health care setting in Israel: evidence and lessons learned from over a decade of implementation.
abstract: The Refuah Shlema programme was established to reduce health disparities, promote health literacy and health indicators of the Ethiopian immigrant community in Israel, and included: (i) integrating Ethiopian immigrant liaisons in primary care as inter-cultural mediators; (ii) in-service training of clinical staff to increase cultural awareness and sensitivity; and (iii) health education community activities. Qualitative and quantitative evidence showed improvements in: (i) clinic staff–patient relations; (ii) availability and accessibility of health services, and health system navigation without increasing service expenditure; (iii) perception of general well-being; and (iv) self-care practice with regards to chronic conditions. Evidence significantly contributed to sustaining the programme for over 13 years.
authors: Department of Health Education and Promotion, Clalit Health Services, 101 Arlozorov St., Tel Aviv 62098, Israel. dianele@clalit.org.il
authors: Diane
authors: D
authors: Levin-Zamir
authors: Sandra
authors: S
authors: Keret
authors: Orit
authors: O
authors: Yaakovson
authors: Boaz
authors: B
authors: Lev
authors: Calanit
authors: C
authors: Kay
authors: Giora
authors: G
authors: Verber
authors: Niki
authors: N
authors: Lieberman
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005002:Ethiopia / Q000208:ethnology; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006078:Government Programs; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D009313:National Health Programs; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D011320:Primary Health Care; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013997:Time Factors