Just Accepted
This article has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. It is in production and has not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.
How to undertake research with refugees: Lessons learned from a qualitative health research programme in Southern New Zealand
Abstract
Background: Refugee health is an issue of global importance. Refugees have high and complex mental, physical and social needs and poor health outcomes. There is a clear need for more research prioritizing refugees’ perspectives of healthcare in their settlement countries; however, a number of methodological and ethical challenges can make this process difficult. Methods: This methodological paper is an analysis of our recent experience conducting qualitative research with former refugees in Southern New Zealand. We utilized our research team’s discussions, reflections, fieldnotes and the relevant literature to identify the key processes of our successful engagement with former refugees. Results: Successful engagement with former refugees in qualitative health research entails: establishing relationships, recognizing interpreters as cultural brokers, having a responsive suite of methods and finding meaningful ways to communicate. Conclusions: This paper offers suggestions and guidance on conducting qualitative health research with former refugees.
PY24096 Accepted 18 November 2024
© La Trobe University 2024
