TY - JOUR PY - 2024// TI - Co-design workshops to develop a psychosocial support service model for refugees in Sweden affected by gender-based violence JO - Health expectations: an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy A1 - Pérez-Aronsson, Anna A1 - Inge, Elin A1 - Alanbari, Heba A1 - Alsalamah, Iman A1 - Ghannoum, Miras A1 - Mohammad, Zozan Abu A1 - Metso, Frida Johansson A1 - Holmqvist, Frida A1 - Belachew, Johanna A1 - Filén, Tove A1 - Hennoks, Frida Pålsson A1 - Sarkadi, Anna A1 - Warner, Georgina SP - e14177 EP - e14177 VL - 27 IS - 4 N2 - BACKGROUND: Experiencing gender-based violence (GBV) is common among refugees. Intersecting systems of oppression can increase the risk of GBV and of suffering detrimental consequences, while concurrently creating barriers to meaningful support. Despite this, refugees with lived experience of GBV are rarely involved in the development, planning and adaptation of services and policies.

METHODS: This article reports on a formative research process that aimed to involve public contributors (refugee victim-survivors of GBV) and relevant stakeholders in co-designing a service model aimed at improving psychosocial support in Sweden. Led by a partnership of public contributors and academic researchers, the research process consisted of iterative cycles of co-design workshops, complemented by scoping of existing literature.

RESULTS: The co-design process resulted in a characterisation of the psychosocial service system needs, as perceived by the survivor co-researchers and stakeholders, and a two-level empowerment and support service model. The model included (i) a community-based intervention to promote help-seeking and (ii) psychosocial group support delivered in specialist clinics. Outcomes of the project included perceived benefits for those involved, service-led direct changes and acquisition of funding for continued research on the co-designed model.

CONCLUSION: Improving psychosocial support for refugees in Sweden affected by GBV requires safe spaces to connect with peers and familiarise with available services, laws and rights in the society. Further, strengthened collaborations across sectors are necessary to meet the variety of needs. Co-design workshops were an effective way to initiate changes in the service delivery model for psychosocial support for refugees in Sweden affected by GBV. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTIONS: This is a participatory reflection on a participatory process. The survivor co-researchers contributed to designing and carrying out the PPI process and have co-authored this manuscript.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 1369-6513 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/hex.14177 ID - ref1 ER -