Microlearning Series: Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
UPDATED 7/12/2022
Slide 1 Refugee Health
Screening: Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing • Hello and welcome to the micro-learning series
presented by the Refugee Health Program at the Minnesota Department of Health.
This series is meant to help providers, clinical teams, and public health
better understand best practices for refugee health screenings. This video focuses on Mental
Health and Emotional Wellbeing screening guidance during refugee health assessments.
Slide 2 What you need to know
Who? • All arrivals ages 18 or older should be screened
for Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing. What?
• Providers should screen eligible individuals by using the Minnesota’s
five to six question tool called the Well-being and Emotions Check (WE Check).
When? • Mental Health and Emotional
Wellbeing checks should occur during the initial Refugee Health Screening and any findings should
receive appropriate follow up. Slide 3
WE-Check: Minnesota Well-being and Emotions Check • The Minnesota Well-being and Emotions Check has
five main questions, with one additional question if any question is endorsed. The questions are:
o In the past month, have you felt too sad? o In the past month, have you been worrying
or thinking too much? o In the past month,
have thoughts about the past kept you from doing things or spending time with others?
o In the past month, did you have sleep problems? o In the past month,
did you have any memory problems? o And if any of the above were
endorsed we ask a supplemental functionality item:  Did any of the above stop you from doing things
you need to do every day? Slide 4
Is this different from last MDH guidance? • This is a new topic to MN
refugee health screening guidance. Does this differ from current CDC guidance?
• Screening recommendations are the same, however Minnesota’s refugee
health program suggests using this Minnesota-developed assessment tool.
Slide 5 Report Screening Results
• As part of the paperwork for the Refugee Health Assessment that is submitted to the
Refugee Health Program, there is a section where status of screening completion, as well as results
for each individual question, can be recorded. • It is very important to capture the screening
as well as follow-up results. Please make sure this section is being filled out appropriately.
Slide 6 Interpretation of Results
• If a patient endorses any two items, that generally indicates a positive screening result.
• Clinical judgment should be used to verify the screening interpretation
as well as supplement any symptoms not endorsed. o For ex. if someone says no to all items but
is visibly distraught, that may still be a positive result and need subsequent referral
or follow-up. Slide 7
If Screen is Positive • Assess risk of suicide,
self-harm, or harm to others. • Be aware of referral options and resources.
We listed a directory with health services that serve
diverse communities in our resource slides. • Inform patients that mental health care is
covered in the same way physical health care is. • Since mental health can often be a confusing
topic for many patients, we recommend the teach back method to ensure patients understand
and agree with the proposed care plan. Slide 8
If Screen is Negative • If a patient endorses one item or less,
that generally indicates a negative screen. • Mental health needs change over the
resettlement process. Consider integrating mental health screening or discussion
into ongoing care. Slide 9
Follow-Up • Level of need and urgency should
be assessed when creating a follow-up plan. • Any emergent needs should follow safety
and best practice protocols of the clinic. • Appropriate follow-up should be considered,
whether that be referral to a mental health professional, following up with primary care,
or connecting to social support systems Slide 10
Screening Examples • Two screening examples, using interpreters, are
available to better understand how to integrate the Well-being and Emotions Check assessment
into the flow of an initial health screening. Slide 11
Resources • If you’re interested in learning more,
please look at the full screening guidance and other resources outlined in this page.
Slide 12 Thank you
• The well-being of all Minnesotans, including those with refugee status,
depends on the work and dedication of our partners. Thank you for your work.