News
2025.03.03.
Integrated Social-Health Development Methodology has been developed
In recent months, one of the most decisive professional deliverables of the ShowUp4Health project has been developed: the Integrated Social-Health Development Methodology (ISHDM), which defines the framework for pilot activities planned for a later phase of the project. The most important feature of ISHDM is its adaptability and flexibility to local conditions. The methodology is designed to accommodate and respond to the diverse and specific needs of different vulnerable populations.
The methodological material aims to take a holistic approach to prevention, screening, the continuum of care, and professional collaboration. Roma communities and displaced people face complex and overlapping barriers to accessing healthcare. Their experiences are characterized by socio-economic deprivation, cultural exclusion, systemic discrimination, and inadequate health infrastructure.
Each target area – Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Ukraine – presents unique challenges that require context-specific strategies to address inequalities. ISHDM is designed to take these specificities into account and facilitate the development of equitable and sustainable health solutions tailored to local needs. A deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by users and target groups served as the foundation for the first baseline document.
Our main objective is to improve the quality of life of vulnerable communities, especially Roma, in specific areas related to non-communicable diseases. To achieve this, we are developing supportive intervention methods to be tested in different settings.
Key elements of the methodological material include:
- Concrete actions in prevention, screening, and follow-up
- Process descriptions, training, education, and workshops
- Telemedicine opportunities
- Engagement of lay facilitators
- Targeted communication campaigns to enhance health literacy and increase participation in screenings
The methodology focuses on leveraging existing resources to enhance collaborative effectiveness. These existing resources include stakeholders, professionals, and lay facilitators working with the target populations. Emphasis is placed on:
- Activation – engaging and mobilizing stakeholders
- Strengthening and maintaining connections
- Expanding and systematizing knowledge
A key feature of the material is its focus on IDPs in Ukraine, where health screenings are complemented by mental health assessments, including screening and follow-up for depression and anxiety.
Who should use this methodology?
- Professionals working to reduce health inequalities
- Those seeking to improve health literacy, confidence, and access to healthcare for vulnerable groups (IDPs, Roma communities, etc.)
- Initiatives fostering collaboration between professionals and lay facilitators to improve outcomes in non-communicable disease prevention
- Those aiming to increase participation in preventive screenings among target populations
By maximizing available resources and strengthening professional collaboration, ISHDM paves the way for sustainable and equitable healthcare solutions.
Upcoming Events
The content of this website represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility; it cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Commission and/or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) or any other body of the European Union. The European Commission and the Agency do not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.