Partnering with caregivers and clinicians to determine research priorities in pediatric migrant health

This study (conducted in partnership with the REACH network of the European Academy of Paediatrics) used a participatory priority-setting process to identify the most important unanswered research questions in pediatric migrant health in Europe from the perspective of those directly concerned. Participants included >500 migrant caregivers, former migrant children and adolescents, healthcare professionals, and individuals combining lived migration experience with professional healthcare expertise across 32 countries. Conducted between 2024 and 2025, the process consisted of two Europe-wide online consultations, followed by a final in-person consensus workshop in Basel.

The resulting top 10 priorities include research on approaches to ensure universal access to healthcare for all migrant children and adolescents, understanding the impact of racism and discrimination on care and long-term health, and identifying barriers preventing migrant children, including those without documentation or health insurance, from accessing healthcare. Further priorities address the physical and mental health effects of migration, social determinants such as housing, education and income, the needs of children with chronic illness, disability or complex health needs, unaccompanied minors, professional language support, healthcare worker training, and family involvement in care.