A “DYNAMIC” action plan for refugee and migrant health has been launched in Limerick.
PPI Includes is a joint operation between the University of Limerick (UL), Doras, and the PPI Network (public and patient involvement) , which project leaders say will see health research carried out ‘with’ migrants and refugees, rather than ‘on’ or ‘about’ them.
The health research project used creative means of music, singing, and storytelling to offer participants the opportunity to share their thoughts on how to ensure refugees and migrants can be involved in research about their own health needs.
Funded by the Irish Research Council, the project was led by the Participatory Health Research Unit at UL. The research process was co-designed by researchers working in partnership with organisations representing migrants and refugees including Limerick-based migrant and refugee organisation Doras.
Project leaders say the partnership resulted in meaningful research questions, inclusive research activities, and a clear action plan about how to involve refugees and migrants in health research.
The plan will now be implemented by the new migrant-led Migrant Health Alliance Ireland and the national Refugee and Migrant Health Partnership.
As well as the inclusion in health research, another outcome of the project was increased awareness of the weekly ‘Irish World Music Café’, which uses music to create inclusive spaces for new arrivals to Limerick.
The launch of PPI Includes comes as part of the national PPI Ignite festival, which celebrates the involvement of patients, public, and communities in health and social care research.
