The experience of accessing healthcare for refugees and asylum seekers

Our research looks at how refugees and asylum seekers access healthcare, and what kinds of experiences they have had with accessing healthcare in Ireland. People with lived experience of accessing healthcare as asylum seekers or refugees are being sought to provide insight into appropriate methods of data collection (eg. in person or online, focus groups or individual interviews) as well as to provide oversight that language used throughout materials are respectful and responsive to the needs of the community. PPI collaborators will be invited to review materials arising from the research (such as interview questions, instruments and reports) to provide an opportunity to influence how the research is conducted, presented and disseminated.

PPI contributors will be invited to meetings online as an advisory group with the research team, with materials provided for review prior to meetings. These are proposed to begin in early 2027 and should be one hour in duration. It is proposed that the meetings will be around four times in the year, with email follow up in between to keep PPI contributors updated on progress. If contributors wish to continue to collaborate there will be an opportunity for further involvement in future studies.

Anyone who has experience accessing or attempting to access healthcare as an asylum seeking or refugee adult in Ireland. This can be medical, maternity, dental or any other form of healthcare. We are looking for adults of any sex, gender or age profile. English or Farsi speaking is recommended. Our research team are based in Cork, however with online participation we are looking for representatives from all of the Republic of Ireland. There is no requirement to have been involved in research or PPI activities previously.

PPI contributors will receive a gratuity for their time. Closing date for expressions of interest is 5^th January 2027.