Dynamic action plan for refugee and migrant health research launched by Limerick university
The project was led by the Participatory Health Research Unit at the University of Limerick
LAUGHTER, singing, and uplifting speeches characterised the dynamic launch of a new health research action plan entitled ‘PPI Includes’ which has been developed directly with the involvement of refugees, migrants and advocacy organisations.
Traditionally health researchers do research ‘on’ or ‘about’ people but participatory health research seeks to do research ‘with’ people as partners in the research design process.
This participatory health research project used creative methods of music, singing and storytelling to offer people the opportunity to share their thoughts about how to ensure that refugees and migrants can be involved in research about their health needs. This is needed to adapt health services to meet the needs of different language and cultural groups.
The research project was led by the Participatory Health Research Unit at the University of Limerick, and the research process was co-designed by researchers working in partnership with organisations representing migrants and refugees including the lead NGO partner Doras. The Irish Research Council funded the research partnership.
This partnership approach to research design resulted in meaningful research questions, inclusive research activities and a clear action plan about how to involve refugees and migrants in health research.
The implementation of the action plan will be supported by the new migrant led Migrant Health Alliance Ireland and the Department of Health funded the national Refugee and Migrant Health Partnership which will offer voice and influence to refugees and migrants on health policy.
This Refugee and Migrant Health Partnership will be housed in the World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Participatory Health Research with Refugees and Migrants which is located in the University of Limerick’s School of Medicine’s Participatory Health Research Unit.
Another outcome from participation in this research has been increased awareness of the lovely opportunity available to all newcomers to Limerick to join a weekly ‘Irish World Music Café’ which uses music and singing to create inclusive social spaces. Participants report this to be a warm, friendly, relaxed space to network and get to know people from Ireland and from other countries. Songs from different cultures are shared and each week finishes with the anthem ‘Limerick you’re a lady.'
This launch is part of Ireland’s national PPI Ignite Festival, celebrating the involvement of patients, public and communities in health and social care research. University of Limerick is a lead site of this national network.