[Participatory research with persons with disabilities].

BACKGROUND

Participatory health research (PHR) is becoming increasingly important. Through participation of the target group in research, it is possible to generate real-world and practice-oriented results and to foster health-related changes. This can also serve to improve the participation and health of persons with disabilities. However, the participation levels in many existing PHR projects is low.

OBJECTIVES

We discuss challenges and opportunities in PHR with persons with disabilities. This article intends to provide an orientation for achieving high participation levels in health research.

METHODS

To develop and implement health-promoting activities in workshops for persons with disabilities, a pilot project was conducted. The aim was to attain high participation levels through PHR with persons with disabilities. The process was evaluated using interviews and questionnaires.

RESULTS

The diversity of the people who are working in the named workshops and especially of the persons with disability was identified as a challenge for PHR. Further challenges are the complex structures and communication lines of those workshops as well as the availability of staff, time and financial resources. Facilitating factors were the inclusion of all stakeholders of this living context, the use of known communication tools and frequent exchange. Appreciation towards the persons with disabilities seems to be one of the most important factors for their motivation and the permanent adoption of health-promoting activities.

CONCLUSIONS

If the challenges of PHR are overcome, this enables diverse insights into the lives of persons with disabilities. It facilitates the implementation of health-promoting activities according to the needs of the target group and fosters the motivation of participants.