Implementation of national recommendations for the care of Ukrainian refugee children in Switzerland: a survey of primary care pediatricians

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of specific recommendations for providers caring for pediatric Ukrainian refugees new to Switzerland, including the care provided and the challenges faced. Methods: Pediatricians were invited via newsletters to participate in an online questionnaire. Results: A total of 111 primary care pediatricians (PCPs) were eligible for participation. Of these, 91% reported providing care for Ukrainian refugees. The vast majority (88.6%) were aware of the mentioned recommendations. The reported care included treating acute conditions (94.8%), ensuring vaccination coverage (89.7%), and performing new-arrival check-ups regardless of age (60.8%). The psychosocial situation of the child (67.0%) and the mental wellbeing of both the child and main caregiver (47.4%) were assessed, and preventive information (29.9%) was provided to a lesser extent. Tuberculosis risks were discussed or screened for by 73.2% of the participants, HIV by 58.3%, and Hepatitis C by 57.3%. The main challenges faced included lack of time (77.9%), language barriers (81.1%), organizing mental health care (65.5.%), different health(care) perceptions (65.6%), demanding attitudes (68.4%), and refusals of check-ups (30.8%) and vaccines (38.6%). Conclusion: Despite high levels of awareness of the recommendations, their implementation varied. Preventive care and mental health support require improvement. Care-enabling policies have been identified and are warranted.