215 Involving migrant communities: a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) case study from Scotland and future research reflections

Abstract WKS 44: Involving Migrant Communities: A Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Case Study from Scotland and Future Research Reflections, B207 (FCSH), September 5, 2025, 11:30 - 12:30 This interactive workshop will explore the role of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in research focused on migrant communities. Despite growing evidence on PPI in health research, significant gaps remain, particularly in engaging underrepresented groups. The participation of migrant communities is increasingly recognised as essential, shaped by contemporary political discourse on migration. With over 280 million international migrants worldwide—a diverse population facing substantial inequities—meaningful PPI?engagement is vital to ensure research relevance and inclusivity. Learning Objectives Participants will be able to describe key principles of effective PPI in migrant health research. Participants will explore methodologies for meaningful community engagement, using a case study on smoke-free homes in Scottish migrant communities. Participants will be invited to contribute to a network of researchers and community stakeholders committed to inclusive PPI practices. Evidence-based research achieves greater impact when co-produced with the communities it serves. However, structural barriers—such as language, trust, and systemic exclusion—often hinder migrant participation. Effective PPI requires adaptable strategies that address these challenges while valuing lived experience as expertise. This workshop will analyse a case study from a Scottish project on smoke-free homes, illustrating practical approaches to collaborative research design, implementation, and dissemination. The session will highlight the importance of shifting from research conducted for migrant communities to research developed with them. By integrating diverse perspectives, academics and public health professionals can enhance the cultural relevance, equity, and impact of their work. Discussions will address power dynamics, ethical considerations, and methods to sustain long-term community partnerships. This workshop aims to empower researchers to embed migrant voices as active contributors, fostering inclusive practices that improve health outcomes. Through collaborative dialogue, participants will leave equipped to apply PPI principles in their own contexts, ensuring migrant communities shape the research that affects their lives.