Participatory approaches in LGBTQ+ youth healthcare research: Insights from a Swiss study

Abstract Background Evidence on LGBTQ+ youth's experiences with (access to) healthcare and their perspectives on (non-)utilisation is lacking in Switzerland and elsewhere. There is also a paucity of research evaluating LGBTQ+-specific and -sensitive approaches, their interplay and their role in healthcare for LGBTQ+ youth. The present study therefore aims to research needs and pathways of LGBTQ+ youth aged 18 to 25 into and through the healthcare system. As part of the Swiss National Research Programme 2025-2029 on Gender Medicine and Health (NRP 83), the LGBTQ+ YOUTHPATH study employs an innovative combination of quantitative secondary analyses of the first nationwide study on LGBT health in Switzerland, large, mainly qualitative data on healthcare pathways of LGBTQ+ youth based on diaries, complemented with diary data from health professionals, and organisational analyses. Methods Throughout the research process, a participatory approach is used to ensure that the most pressing needs of LGBTQ+ youth are addressed and that there is a strong potential for the knowledge generated to be implemented and applied in practice and policy. The participatory researchers are recruited from LGBTQ+ communities as well as from healthcare providers (professionals). Results Insights from the initial phase, April to November 2025, will be presented. This encompasses the recruitment of the participatory researchers, the initiation of collaboration, their involvement in first data analyses as well as in discussions on methodology, on data collection tools and on recruitment. Lessons learned, best practices, and challenges encountered regarding participation will be presented and discussed. Conclusions Conclusions for other healthcare research will be drawn regarding design and setup of a participatory approach in healthcare research for LGBTQ+ youth.