Purpose:
The ‘Psychology Health and Medicine’ (PHM) conference is a key annual event for researchers and health professionals working in psychology, health, and medicine across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and beyond. The conference is a collaborative initiative between the Divisions of Health Psychology (DHP) of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and the Northern Ireland Branch of the British Psychological Society and is dedicated to advancing the field of health psychology. It provides a vibrant forum for sharing high-quality research, policy developments, and practical innovations that explore how psychological factors influence health behaviours, illness experiences, and healthcare systems. The conference fosters collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and the public, helping to build strong networks and translate research into real-world health improvements. Hosting the event at RCSI —Ireland’s only university dedicated to medicine and health sciences— provides a key opportunity to reach audiences broader than health psychology, to showcase health psychology research among clinicians and support meaningful collaboration with diverse health professionals working in clinical practice.
Description:
The one-day conference includes oral and poster presentations, keynote lectures from leading experts, roundtable discussions, and networking opportunities. Example topics include managing long-term conditions, promoting mental health, encouraging healthy behaviours, and improving access to care. The conference has a strong tradition of involving patients and the public in both event planning and delivery, ensuring relevance and inclusivity.
Audience:
Attendees include health psychologists, public health researchers, behavioural scientists, healthcare professionals, policy-makers, students, and patient and public representatives.
Dissemination:
Conference outcomes will be shared through RCSI, PSI, and BPS digital platforms, social media, and a published event report. Key findings will be featured in the Irish Psychologist magazine and shared with members of the PSI and BPS Northern Ireland DHPs via e-mail, and through RCSI networks. Presentations will be openly accessible via the RCSI library repository.
