219 Public and patient involvement in migration health research – the current view of forced Migrants in Switzerland

Abstract PTH 4: Mental Health and Refugees 2, B307 (FCSH), September 4, 2025, 14:00 - 14:48 Aim Efforts to address the health issues of migrants more efficiently are gaining momentum among policy makers and researchers. The majority of migrants continue to receive only limited access the healthcare systems of host countries, due to factors, such as a poor understanding of the host country’s healthcare system, inefficient use of available healthcare services, and uninformed help-seeking behavior. Hence, we aimed to explore the role of Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) in enhancing the accessibility and utilization of healthcare services as well as its contribution to migration health studies. Method We conducted open and in-depth interactive virtual discussions with volunteer asylum seekers and refugees from Eritrea and Syria in Switzerland. Participants were either enrolled from a previous study, or invited to participate through existing migrant networks. Qualitative data were collected and stratified into three phases (inception–training–contribution) addressing i) study participation and adherence rates; ii) active community inclusion and contribution; iii) invitation of new volunteer compatriots to projects; and iv) proposition of discussion topics on healthcare-related disparities or problems. Result Prior to training, the concept of PPI was poorly understood, as it represents a new approach—however, after consecutive discussions, participants were highly motivated to engage actively in health-related topics of communities and research projects. Promoting PPI increased community awareness, improved communication on healthcare system accessibility and utilization, uncovered under-appreciated healthcare system access barriers and challenges, echoed actual healthcare needs, and strengthened migration health research Conclusion This small-scale, first-of-its-kind migrants’ PPI initiative in Switzerland highlighted the importance of a participatory approach among migrant communities. It supported more effective identification of relevant and problematic issues in migrants, promoted their involvement in health-related research, and facilitated communication within the communities, which revealed perceived gaps and concerns in accessing healthcare.