Sammanfattning
There has been a Migrant Health Clinic at Odense University Hospital since June 2008. The Migrant Health Clinic has drawn up a clear image of patients with complicated, chronic symptoms. Nurses at the Migrant Health Clinic are generalists and attend to not only the patients' physical problems but psychological and social problems as well. By displaying active interest, acknowledgement and empathy to the patient's narrative and life history, it is possible to uncover the various and often multifarious problems and thereafter initiate necessary actions and arrangements. It is essential to engage emotions, living conditions and the life situation associated with living as a refugee or immigrant as part of the clinical process. This is often the key to a heightened awareness and self-care in patients with complicated, composite health problems. Key words: Ethnic minorities, empathy, communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, Migrant Health Clinic.