Review the Primary Health care for Travellers Projects (PHCTPs) in he Eastern Region

ISSUE/PROBLEM: Minority ethnic minority groups globally experience similar health challenges in accessing appropriate health services. Irish Travellers are a Minority Ethnic group who experience health inequalities. Our objective is to review the PHC model adapted for Travellers to identify the appropriate elements, resources, standards and principles required to develop, implement and sustain an effective model of good practice in PHCTPs. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM: We reviewed 10 PHCTPs in the Eastern region. Different methods were used taking cognisance of literacy and experience levels among Traveller Community Health workers (TCHWs), Project Coordinators and Steering group members. Scoping exercise conducted to review the literature and collate project reports; questionnaires designed for Coordinators and steering group members; Regional workshops and focus groups were run with PHCTP coordinators and TCHWs these included SWOC analyses; Spider graphs and graffiti wall exercises. RESULTS: The scoping exercise showed improvements in levels of satisfaction and utilisation of health services by Travellers in its areas; TCHWs were very enthusiastic about their training and experience of working in the projects. Focus on replicating the outcomes of the original PHC model but not the process involved to engage Travellers; Project Coordinators require further training to develop skills to improve the capacity, training standards and scope of the projects. Results fed back to all the groups and the collation and analysis informed the development of a Good Practice guide for a sustainable model of PHCTP. LESSONS: Development of culturally appropriate information and services in partnership with marginalised communities; work with rather than for; respect the expertise that each partner brings to the project. KEY MESSAGES: • A sustainable model of good practice identified for Primary Health care for Traveller Projects to facilitate expansion. • Highlights value of PHC as a model for adaptation for other minorities/settings.