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Webb P, Falls D, Keenan F, Norris B, Owens A, Davidson G, Edge R, Kelly B, McLaughlin A, Montgomery L, Mulvenna C, Irvine RS. Peer researchers' experiences of a co-produced research project on supported decision-making. Res Involv Engagem 2022; 8:70. [PMID: 36476938 PMCID: PMC9727887 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-022-00406-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Making decisions about your own life is a key aspect of independence, freedom, human rights and social justice. There are disabled people who, without support, would be assessed as incapable of making certain decisions but with the appropriate support are capable of making those decisions and so to not provide that support infringes their rights, undermines their autonomy and reinforces their exclusion from society. However, there is limited research evidence available about disabled people's experiences of the range of approaches provided to support decision-making. This article will explore the experiences of four peer researchers who co-produced a research project on how people have, or have not been, supported to make their own decisions. Two of the peer researchers have experience of mental health problems and two are people with an intellectual disability. The article refers to peer research because its subject matter is the relevant lived experience of people. Peer research is therefore an approach within the broader areas of participatory research and co-production. METHODS The peer researchers interviewed 21 people with mental health problems and 20 people with an intellectual disability to gain an in-depth understanding of their experiences and preferences for how decision-making should be supported. Peer researcher experiences at each stage of the study from design to analysis were explored using data collected from the peer researchers via blogs written at early stages of the study, discussions at team meetings as the fieldwork progressed and at a final workshop at the end of the study which gave the peer researchers the opportunity to focus on their overall reflections of being a peer researcher. The article also discusses motivations to undertake the peer research role, the process of co-production and the challenges negotiated during the study. RESULTS The peer researchers reported a number of positive effects of being involved in the research project which included improvements in skills and self-confidence. CONCLUSION The peer researchers' involvement challenged assumptions about the inability of people with an intellectual disability and/or mental health problems to participate proactively in a research project whilst also highlighting the importance of training for all team members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Webb
- Research Department, Praxis Care, 25-31 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AA, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - David Falls
- Research Department, Praxis Care, 25-31 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AA, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Fionnuala Keenan
- Research Department, Praxis Care, 25-31 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AA, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Barbara Norris
- Mencap NI, 5 School Road, Newtownbreda, Belfast, BT8 6BT, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Aine Owens
- Mencap NI, 5 School Road, Newtownbreda, Belfast, BT8 6BT, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Gavin Davidson
- School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, Queen's University Belfast, 6 College Park, Belfast, BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Rosalie Edge
- Mencap NI, 5 School Road, Newtownbreda, Belfast, BT8 6BT, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Berni Kelly
- School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, Queen's University Belfast, 6 College Park, Belfast, BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Aisling McLaughlin
- School of Applied Social and Policy Sciences, Ulster University, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Derry, BT48 7JL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Lorna Montgomery
- School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, Queen's University Belfast, 6 College Park, Belfast, BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Christine Mulvenna
- Mencap NI, 5 School Road, Newtownbreda, Belfast, BT8 6BT, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Rebecca Shea Irvine
- Institute for Research on Women and Gender, University of Michigan, 1136 Lane Hall, 204 S, State Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-129, USA
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Southby K, Coan S, Rushworth S, South J, Bagnall AM, Lam T, Woodward J, Button D. The contribution of peer research in evaluating complex public health interventions: examples from two UK community empowerment projects. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2164. [PMID: 36424569 PMCID: PMC9685878 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14465-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peer-research is steered and conducted by people with lived experience of the issues being researched. This paper explores the value of peer-research in two complex public health intervention evaluations in the UK. METHODS Reports from 18 peer research projects, completed by residents from 12 communities in the UK taking part in two community empowerment interventions, were analysed using cross-case analysis. RESULTS Undertaking peer research helped to build the evaluation and research skills within individual projects as well as providing data on other outcomes related to the programmes Theory of Change. Some peer researchers, however, felt unprepared for the activity despite support from the academic team and were unsatisfied with project outcomes. While peer research projects provided more opportunities for local residents to engage with the overall evaluations, there was an overreliance on people closely connected to the programmes to be peer researchers. The peer research projects explored topics that were broader than the aims and objectives of the overall programme evaluations. All provided insight into the context in which projects occurred, while some also informed understanding of programme change mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS Including peer research as part of complex public health intervention evaluations can help uncover important contextual and ecological details beyond the reach of more traditional evaluation data collection. Peer research can also empower and build research/evaluation capacity within communities, which is particularly pertinent for community empowerment interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris Southby
- grid.10346.300000 0001 0745 8880Leeds Beckett University, 519 Portland, City Campus, Leeds, LS1 3HE UK
| | - Susan Coan
- grid.10346.300000 0001 0745 8880Leeds Beckett University, 519 Portland, City Campus, Leeds, LS1 3HE UK
| | - Sara Rushworth
- grid.10346.300000 0001 0745 8880Leeds Beckett University, 519 Portland, City Campus, Leeds, LS1 3HE UK
| | - Jane South
- grid.10346.300000 0001 0745 8880Leeds Beckett University, 519 Portland, City Campus, Leeds, LS1 3HE UK
| | - Anne-Marie Bagnall
- grid.10346.300000 0001 0745 8880Leeds Beckett University, 519 Portland, City Campus, Leeds, LS1 3HE UK
| | - Tiffany Lam
- grid.422699.20000 0004 5930 2724Sustrans UK, 2 Cathedral Square, Bristol, BS1 5DD UK
| | - Jenny Woodward
- grid.10346.300000 0001 0745 8880Leeds Beckett University, 519 Portland, City Campus, Leeds, LS1 3HE UK
| | - Danial Button
- grid.422572.40000 0001 2289 0006New Economics Foundation, 10 Salamanca Place, London, SE1 7HB UK
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Visser R, Barber AE, X A, Wheatcroft S, Mullen P, Armes J. Collaboration with people with lived experience of prison: reflections on researching cancer care in custodial settings. Res Involv Engagem 2021; 7:48. [PMID: 34183075 PMCID: PMC8238630 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-021-00284-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient and public involvement is increasingly considered important in health research. This paper reflects, from both academic and lived experience perspectives, on involving people with lived experience in a study exploring cancer care in prison and how by doing this it enriched the research process. METHODS This paper is based on written and verbal reflections of the lived experience researchers and academic researchers involved in a study exploring the diagnosis and treatment of people with cancer in prison. The study comprised interviews with people with cancer in prison, prison healthcare staff, oncology specialists and custodial staff. Lived experience researchers were involved throughout the research process, including co-conducting interviews with patients and analysing interviews. RESULTS This paper highlights the importance and value of including lived experience researchers across the research process. We reflect on how lived experience of prison shapes the experience of conducting interviews and analysing data gathered in prison. We reflect on the working relationships between academic and lived experience researchers. We demonstrate how prison research is challenging, but collaboration between lived experience and academic researchers can help to better prepare for the field, to ask more meaningful questions and to create rapport with participants. These types of collaborations can be powerful avenues for skill development for both academic and lived experience researchers, but they require an investment of time and a willingness for shared learning. CONCLUSIONS For academics and lived experience researchers to collaborate successfully and meaningfully care needs to be taken to develop open, honest and equal working relationships. Skills development for academic and lived experience researchers is important. A commitment to building and maintaining relationships is crucial. Having a third party as a mediator can facilitate and foster these relationships. Particularly with people with lived experience of prison it is essential to put the 'do no harm' principle into practice and to have support in place to minimise this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renske Visser
- University of Surrey, School of Health Sciences, Guildford, UK
| | - Alyce-Ellen Barber
- University of Surrey, School of Health Sciences, Guildford, UK
- Revolving Doors Agency, 90 London Rd, Elephant and Castle, London, SE1 6LN UK
| | - Anthony X
- Revolving Doors Agency, 90 London Rd, Elephant and Castle, London, SE1 6LN UK
| | - Sue Wheatcroft
- Revolving Doors Agency, 90 London Rd, Elephant and Castle, London, SE1 6LN UK
| | - Philip Mullen
- Revolving Doors Agency, 90 London Rd, Elephant and Castle, London, SE1 6LN UK
| | - Jo Armes
- University of Surrey, School of Health Sciences, Guildford, UK
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Neufeld SD, Chapman J, Crier N, Marsh S, McLeod J, Deane LA. Research 101: A process for developing local guidelines for ethical research in heavily researched communities. Harm Reduct J 2019; 16:41. [PMID: 31262305 PMCID: PMC6604375 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-019-0315-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Marginalized communities often attract more than their share of research. Too often, this research benefits researchers disproportionately and leaves such communities feeling exploited, misrepresented, and exhausted. The Downtown Eastside (DTES) neighborhood of Vancouver, Canada, has been the site of multiple public health epidemics related to injection drug use as well as the site of much community-led resistance and struggle that has led to the development of cutting-edge harm reduction interventions (e.g., North America’s first supervised injection facility, Insite) and a strong sense of community organization. This background has made the DTES one of the most heavily researched communities in the world. Amidst ongoing experiences of unethical or disrespectful research engagement in the neighborhood, a collaboration between local academic researchers and community representatives developed to explore how we could work together to encourage more respectful, community-responsive research and discourage exploitative or disrespectful research. Methods We developed a series of six weekly workshops called “Research 101.” These workshops brought together approximately 13 representatives from peer-based organizations in the DTES with a variety of experiences with research. Research 101 created space for community members themselves to discuss the pitfalls and potential of research in their neighborhood and to express community expectations for more ethical and respectful research. Results We summarized workshop discussions in a co-authored “Manifesto for Ethical Research in the Downtown Eastside.” This document serves as a resource to empower community organizations to develop more equitable partnerships with researchers and help researchers ground their work in the principles of locally developed “community ethics.” Manifesto guidelines include increased researcher transparency, community-based ethical review of projects, empowering peer researchers in meaningful roles within a research project, and taking seriously the need for reciprocity in the research exchange. Conclusions Research 101 was a process for eliciting and presenting a local vision of “community ethics” in a heavily researched neighborhood to guide researchers and empower community organizations. Our ongoing work involves building consensus for these guidelines within the community and communicating these expectations to researchers and ethics offices at local universities. We also describe how our Research 101 process could be replicated in other heavily researched communities. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12954-019-0315-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott D Neufeld
- Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, BC, Canada. .,BC Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, V6Z 2A9, BC, Canada.
| | - Jule Chapman
- Sex Workers United Against Violence, 334 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1C3, Canada
| | - Nicolas Crier
- Megaphone Magazine Speaker's Bureau, 312 Main St, Vancouver, BC, V6A 2 T2, Canada.,Illicit: A Shadow Story, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Samona Marsh
- Sex Workers United Against Violence, 334 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1C3, Canada.,Illicit: A Shadow Story, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users, 380 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1P4, Canada.,BC Yukon Association of Drug War Survivors, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jim McLeod
- Illicit: A Shadow Story, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Hives for Humanity, 206-312 Main St, Vancouver, BC, V6A 2 T2, Canada
| | - Lindsay A Deane
- Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, BC, Canada
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