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Seafaring is one of the world’s most dangerous jobs. Long hours enduring hazardous working conditions result in injury and death. Access to primary care is limited, and crew members with simple ailments may wait weeks for medical review. Seafarers were found to be 26.2 times more likely to die during their duties.

The COVID‐19 pandemic affected health care services for seafarers resulting in poorer health outcomes for this vulnernable patient group.

The health care needs of non‐resident merchant seafarers have long been overlooked. Issues faced by Australian clinicians treating seafarers include linguistic barriers, fragmented enroute health care, limited medical documentation, delayed presentations and the impact of isolation and lack of psychological supports.

This MJA perspective shares more.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain key components of the perspective
2. List main findings
3. Recognise the interventions recommended for improving seafarers health care.

Details

Authors: John J Bockxmeer and Nilukshi Ranwalau

Article Type: Perspective