Technical Report - Donegal Traveller's Project

All Ireland Traveller Health StudyOverview of MethodologiesThe approach to the study was one of collaboration with all the key stakeholders. All methodologiesand processes were designed, piloted and adapted in collaboration with Travellers and Travellerorganisations, to produce results that could be translated into meaningful policy and practice. Theteam worked within the Traveller health infrastructure already established and the networks set upspecifically for the study within the Traveller organisations and the health services, as outlined in detailin the Context Section of this report.The methodological approach was to develop an integrated study programme with interconnectingsub-studies. This approach made for a cost-effective and scientifically sound overall project, whichwill benefit Travellers as a community. In general each step of the study provided a sampling framefor selection of respondents for the subsequent step, and also provided for rich context for thedevelopment of the study instruments. The individual study components are described below. Thequantitative studies are based on samples from the corresponding primary studies, and the qualitativestudies are based on samples from the corresponding quantitative studies.The study proposal included Traveller community participation at every stage, from design todissemination. The study team used methodologies which are culturally appropriate and all study teammembers were aware of and respectful of Traveller values and beliefs. Peer Researchers were drawnfrom the Traveller community. The intention was to deliver this project in the closest partnership withthe community, with real community ownership, and real community control.44