RESPOND is a research programme led by the Department for General Practice and Health Services Research at the University Hospital Heidelberg. The aim of the programme is to generate the necessary evidence to make healthcare structures for asylum seekers more effective, efficient and needs-based in the long term.

The programme will run for six years (2016-2022) and is organised in two phases and nine work packages (WP1-9). Phase 1 (WP1-5) aims to identify modifiable barriers to healthcare through the collection and analysis of qualitative, quantitative and routine data. These findings will form the basis of a tailoring process to find solutions and interventions to improve current services. In study phase 2 (WP6-9), it was originally planned to pilot and evaluate solutions in selected regions and settings in order to implement them in other regions. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WP 6-9 had to be adapted. The focus is now on the evaluation of existing interventions and identification of good practice approaches.

RESPOND differs from other studies considering the health of asylum seekers, as the primary aim is not to generate evidence about a particular disease or condition, but instead to describe the organisation of health services and the health system as a whole. The study will be carried out in a variety of healthcare settings relevant for asylum seekers locally to get a differentiated picture of current situation and areas in need of change.