From September 15th to 17th, 2024, the EFPC (European Forum for Primary Care) Conference took place in Ljubljana, Slovenia. EFAD was proudly represented by Isabel Monteiro, who showcased the critical role of dietitians in shaping sustainable primary healthcare.
Isabel’s involvement in the congress highlighted EFAD’s ongoing commitment to addressing the unique healthcare needs of vulnerable populations, especially migrants. Her participation was multifaceted, contributing to both a workshop and a poster presentation that underscored the importance of dietetics in primary care.
Workshop: Sustainable Care for Migrants in Primary Care
As part of the conference, Isabel participated in a workshop titled “Sustainable Care for Migrants in Primary Care.” During this session, she presented on the integration of nutritional care for migrants within primary healthcare settings.
Migrants, displaced by war and the climate crisis, face unique challenges in adapting to healthcare systems in their host countries. Primary care providers across Europe are tasked with delivering culturally responsive services that meet these complex needs. Isabel’s presentation not only highlighted the role of nutrition in improving health outcomes for migrants but also emphasized the need for interprofessional collaboration to offer holistic, effective care.
Key workshop goals included:
- Raising awareness of the effects of climate change on migration and its implications for primary care.
- Discussing often overlooked aspects of primary care for migrants.
- Exploring the optimal content of culturally responsive primary healthcare.
Poster Presentation: The Role of Dietitians in Sustainable Primary Health Care
In addition to the workshop, Isabel co-authored a poster titled “The Role of Dietitians in Sustainable Primary Health Care,” which was featured in the Policy Debate session of the Congress. Alongside her colleagues Chiara Perrone, Elif Sule Bicerler, Iwona Hawrysz, Teresa Maia, and Theresa Vierlinger from ESDN Primary Care, Isabel’s work reinforced the essential contributions of dietitians in promoting sustainable healthcare models.
The poster focused on the strategic role dietitians play in primary care, particularly in developing and implementing sustainable healthcare solutions that are responsive to the cultural and nutritional needs of diverse patient populations.
EFAD’s Commitment to Culturally Competent Care
As Europe continues to face the growing challenges of climate-induced migration and geopolitical instability, the role of primary care in supporting migrants is more crucial than ever. EFAD is proud to contribute to this important conversation through Isabel Monteiro’s work, which not only sheds light on the integration of nutritional care into migrant healthcare strategies but also strengthens the role of dietitians in building sustainable, culturally competent healthcare systems.
EFAD will continue to engage in international platforms such as the EFPC Conference, advocating for policies and practices that address the health challenges of our time.