World cafés as a participatory approach to understanding research agendas in primary care with underserved communities: reflections, challenges and lessons learned

Description:

This research project explored a participatory method approach to reaching underserved communities and making research more relevant for minoritised ethnic groups. The study involved two World Cafés that were conducted as research agenda setting activities. One World Café explored Black and Asian women’s perspectives on supporting mental health. The second World Café worked with men from the Somali community and focused on prostate cancer. Community members were instrumental to the study: they co-developed the focus and study questions; were involved in recruiting individuals to the sessions; facilitated discussions; and provided translation. The researchers found that discussions at both World Cafés provided a rich insight into the experiences of participants and identified issues that are important to these communities.