Researchers from the EquityCancer-LA project take part in the 2nd EPIBELL Research Conference
On Friday, June 13, the 2nd Research Conference of the Epidemiology, Public Health, Cancer Prevention and Palliative Care Program (EPIBELL) was held at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences on the Bellvitge Campus of the University of Barcelona. Researchers María Luisa Vázquez and Ingrid Vargas from the Consorci de Salut i Social de Catalunya (CSC), along with Maria Rubio-Valera from Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu (PSJD), attended the event.
Organized by the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), the meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration between the research groups within the EPIBELL program and promote scientific exchange. Over sixty professionals from a range of disciplines (epidemiologists, pathologists, geneticists, biologists, nutritionists, IT specialists, statisticians, and economists) took part. Together, they conduct research on cancer, its prevention, early diagnosis, and improving quality of care in oncology services.
In this context, María Luisa Vázquez and Ingrid Vargas from the CSC, together with Maria Rubio-Valera from PSJD, were invited to introduce participants to the theory and practice of participatory research in health services. This session highlighted the value of the participatory approach as a key tool for improving the quality, relevance, and impact of applied health services research.
Dr. Vargas began the presentation by outlining the characteristics and benefits of the participatory method, emphasizing Participatory Action Research (PAR) as a collaborative and change-oriented approach. Dr. Vázquez then presented the experience of the EquityCancer-LA and Equity-LA II projects, which have applied this approach to improve care coordination in cancer diagnosis and chronic care across health service networks in several Latin American countries. Finally, Dr. Rubio-Valera explored how this methodology is being applied in mental health research.
Participation in this event represented a valuable opportunity to share lessons learned and experiences from the EquityCancer-LA project with professionals from different disciplines, promoting scientific dialogue and the exchange of innovative methodologies. Initiatives such as this strengthen international collaboration in health services research and reinforce the project's commitment to participatory approaches that contribute to improving the quality, equity, and coordination of healthcare.
.jpg)
Ingresar a Equity-LA II
