Admission of Children from Portuguese-Speaking African Countries to a Portuguese Early Childhood Medical Unit

Acta Médica Portuguesa 2026 Open access

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Authors: Nina Berdianu, Raquel da Costa Neves, Madalena Alexandre, Swasilanne Sousa, Ana Araújo Carvalho, Margarida Almendra, Sara Ferreira, Diana Amaral, Beatriz Costa, Rosário Perry da Câmara, Ana Paula Rocha, Rita Machado
DOI: 10.20344/amp.22970
Cited by: 0
References: 8

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Medical assistance provided in Portugal to patients from Portuguese-Speaking African Countries (PALOP) is regulated by political evacuation protocols, although many patients come by their own means (OM). The aim of this study was to characterize PALOP patients admitted to a Portuguese early childhood medical unit (ECMU), comparing those evacuated under official protocols with those who arrived by OM, and reflect on their medical complexity and associated challenges. METHODS: We conducted an observational study, with a retrospective chart review of all PALOP patients (

Fields of Study & Subjects

Global Health and Surgery Global Health and Epidemiology Trauma and Emergency Care Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
Acta Médica Portuguesa
Volume
39
Issue
3
Pages
169–177
Publication date
30 January 2026
Language
EN