Refugee Children Use ERs More Wisely Than Canadian-Born Kids

A groundbreaking study is flipping the script on long-held beliefs about how immigrant families use healthcare in Canada.

Researchers from ICES and The Hospital for Sick Children tracked 458,597 children over four years and discovered something surprising. Refugee and immigrant children visited emergency departments far less often for minor illnesses like respiratory infections compared to kids born in Ontario.

The numbers tell a powerful story. In their first two years in Canada, newcomer children were more likely to see their primary care doctor for minor health issues and less likely to show up at the ER for non-urgent problems. Meanwhile, Ontario-born children, who knew the healthcare system better, actually used it less appropriately.

Dr. Susitha Wanigaratne, Senior Research Associate at SickKids, sees this as proof that newcomers aren't overwhelming emergency rooms. "This study contributes to the growing research that disproves the belief that newcomers misuse health care services," she explains.

The researchers found a particularly interesting pattern among resettled refugee families. These families received navigation support and settlement services during their first year, which may explain why they used emergency rooms even less than other immigrant groups. Government-assisted and privately sponsored refugees had access to settlement workers who helped them understand how to access healthcare properly.

However, the study revealed a concerning shift after two years. Once resettlement support decreased, refugee families started visiting emergency rooms more often for minor conditions. Researchers believe this happens because families struggle to access primary care during regular work hours as they adjust to employment.

The Bright Side

Dr. Astrid Guttmann, Co-Director of the Edwin S.H. Leong Center for Healthy Children, points out what this means for policy. Settlement services clearly work at helping families navigate healthcare systems effectively. Research from other high-income countries shows that inclusive healthcare for migrants doesn't just improve health outcomes but also reduces costs overall.

The findings suggest that extending settlement support beyond the first year could help families maintain better healthcare habits. When newcomers have guidance, they make smarter choices about when to visit emergency rooms versus their family doctors.

This research offers hope that investing in newcomer support services creates healthier communities while reducing strain on emergency departments.