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Information provision messages

Before and during the medical screening, provide applicants with clear information explaining what will happen at this stage and what to expect next, including any follow-up procedures. The level of detail should be adapted to the way medical screening is conducted in the national or local context, including the time and setting, as well as whether any prior health checks were already carried out. 

Clearly explain to applicants that the current medical screening is meant to complement or follow up on the preliminary health check conducted during the screening phase, particularly where further attention is required.

Inform applicants of the below.

• The purpose of the medical screening to: 
  • check if the applicant is in good health 
  • identify any contagious diseases that may pose a risk to others
  • provide immediate medical care if needed
  • ensure continuity of any ongoing treatment and prescribed medication 
  • help determine appropriate allocation to accommodation.
• The importance of disclosing any health issues, including physical conditions, mental health concerns and psychological distress. This ensures the person can receive timely support and referral to specialist services when needed, helping to address concerns promptly and preventing deterioration. 
• What the medical screening may involve, depending on the national context, with clear information for applicants on each procedure, including what it entails and any potential discomfort they may experience:
  • a general health check to identify urgent physical and mental health needs, including emergency care, hospitalisation, support for reduced mobility or urgent medical treatment
  • checking for contagious diseases or infections (e.g. tuberculosis, scabies)
  • if applicable, blood tests and chest X-rays for tuberculosis detection.
• Additional screenings and vaccinations as required by national public health policies.
• The type of medical care the applicants will receive while in the specific reception facility 
• What to do in case of a medical issue or an emergency. 
• The available medical and mental health services and psychological care (e.g. access to a gynaecologist for cases of pregnancy, sexual and reproductive services, including contraception, child vaccination programmes, mental health and psychological support services).
• Vaccinations provided at this stage, including their purpose (e.g. protection against contagious diseases) and whether they are mandatory or voluntary under national law.
• Explain that medical screening will be conducted by qualified personnel, ensuring applicants’ dignity and privacy and that applicants may express a preference for the gender of the medical staff. If this cannot be accommodated, the reasons will be explained respectfully and transparently.
• An interpreter will help communication with medical staff if needed, ensuring accurate translation and confidentiality.
• The importance of consenting to the medical screening.
• The refusal to undergo the medical screening or certain examinations and the consequences connected with such a refusal (e.g. possible impact on eligibility for certain reception conditions). 
• What will happen with the medical information collected and how they can access their medical file. Inform the applicant that:
  • their medical data will be handled confidentially in accordance with data protection laws
  • the results of the medical screening will not affect their application
  • any limits to confidentiality and clarify that information will only be shared with third parties based on their consent
  • the medical file and how they can access it.

Practical tips

• Adjust the timing and detail of information to the context. Give a brief overview before the medical screening and provide more detailed explanations and time for questions during the screening.
• Several communication channels should be used to provide applicants with information adapted to their understanding and communication needs. Visual aids, such as a picture dictionary with clear and simple images, can help explain medical topics and make health information easier to understand.
• Adapt information to specific profiles of applicants (e.g. parents with children should be informed about available vaccination for children and paediatric services, pregnant women should receive information on prenatal check-ups and birth support) 
• Information about medical screening should be communicated to unaccompanied children in a manner appropriate to their age and level of understanding. Information should be provided in the presence of their representative or the person mandated to act as such. 
• Create a calm and welcoming environment for medical screening. Applicants may not openly share health issues, such as illnesses or early pregnancy, so it is important to build trust. Do this through respectful and simple communication.
• Where possible, involve cultural mediators or trusted community members by disseminating culturally sensitive information regarding screening. This might help overcoming cultural and communication barriers and reducing applicants’ preoccupation during the medical screening.