# Public and Patient Involvement in Migration Health Research: Eritrean and Syrian Refugees’ and Asylum Seekers’ Views in Switzerland

## TL;DR

This study explores how involving Eritrean and Syrian refugees in Switzerland in health research can improve healthcare access and strengthen migration health studies.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is demonstrating the effectiveness of public and patient involvement (PPI) in migration health research with refugee populations.

## Key findings

- PPI can raise awareness and improve healthcare accessibility for refugees.
- Training enabled participants to actively engage in migration health research.
- PPI volunteers aim to bridge the gap between researchers and the refugee community.

## Abstract

Prior research has highlighted important healthcare access and utilization issues among new forced immigrants. We aimed to explore the role that public and patient involvement (PPI) might play in enhancing accessibility and specific contributions to migration health studies. We conducted open and in-depth interactive virtual discussions with asylum seekers and refugees from Eritrea and Syria in Switzerland. The PPI establishment consisted of three phases: inception, training and contribution. Prior to training, the concept of PPI was not straightforward to grasp, as it was a new approach—however, after training and consecutive discussions, participants were ardent to engage actively. We conclude that PPI holds promise in regard to raising awareness, improving healthcare system accessibilities and utilization, and enhancing and strengthening migration health research. Indeed, PPI volunteers were keen to raise their community’s awareness through their networks and bridge an important gap between researchers and the public.