How historical contexts influence contemporary healthcare service: The case of infertility care in Ireland
Introduction
Research Area:
Organisational and Management Studies (Health Policy/ Reproductive and Sexual Health)
What is the research about?
This research explores how historical influences have shaped infertility services in Ireland. The government’s recent initiative to implement a national policy on assisted reproductive technologies highlights how past decisions, beliefs, policies, and social attitudes have affected progress in this area for decades.
By studying archival documents, conducting interviews, and examining existing research, this project aims to understand how the past continues to shape the present. We focus on the challenges involved in designing policy for such a sensitive area of healthcare, and the difficulties that patients and providers still face today.
This research also provides an opportunity to explore how future policies can be designed to be fairer, more accessible, and more responsive to patients’ needs, ensuring that lessons from the past guide improvements for the future.
Who is this opportunity for?
This opportunity is for women and their partners who have sought, or undergone, fertility treatment in Ireland (not including surrogacy). Individuals willing to engage in PPI activities across the duration of the project, including attendance at meetings and the review of the documents (including participant information sheets, consent forms, interview guides, and recruitment materials) requisite during the project.
Exclusion criteria: Individuals undergoing through donor assisted reproduction. Individuals experiencing an acute or severe mental health crisis at the point of recruitment, where participation may pose a risk to their wellbeing or impede meaningful contribution.
We can cover travel expenses to and from Dublin by train for meetings but will be unable to cover accommodation costs. Catering will be provided at in person meetings and these will be scheduled to facilitate same-day travel to and from.
What will PPI contributors do?
Opportunity for:
Involvement Opportunity Details
Time
Time commitment:
Attend two or three meetings per year (online or in-person; each 1–2 hours)
Contact between meetings:
You will receive brief updates and occasional requests for feedback 4–6 times a year via email. You may also be invited to review research summaries or other communications, but all participation is completely voluntary.
Length of involvement:
3 years
Start date for involvement:
01/02/2026
Logistics
Where?
If online, explain how:
ZOOM, TEAMS, EMAIL, TELEPHONE
If in person, explain where:
Maynooth UniversityRespective OfficeAnywhere in (Maynooth or Dublin) or as per the convenience
Other ways of communicating:
Team Meetings / Zoom
Funding available for:
If no funding available, explain why:
Not applicable
Other Information
Stage of the research study/ programme:
Early planning
Is this opportunity for PPI in a PhD:
Yes
Closing date to contact researchers:
01/02/2027
Research Team
Contact person:
Harpreet Kaur
University/organisation:
Maynooth University
Contact email:
harpreet.kaur.2025@mumail.ie
Researcher background:
PhD student with a research background in public health, with experience in reproductive and sexual health, health systems, and community health.
Research funder:
Doctoral Scholarship (Maynooth University)
Photo:
Interested in this PPI Opportunity?
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