Participating in community research: exploring the experiences of lay researchers in Bradford

Abstract

Considerable attention has been given in recent years to the merits of involving community members in the research process and the resulting benefits in terms of research outcomes. Far less is known about the experiences of individuals taking on the role of lay researchers within their own community. This research investigates the experiences of six young Asian women who, following training, undertook a community health needs assessment in a neighbourhood in Bradford. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. Findings indicated that participating was overall a positive experience, having an impact on the women in two main ways. Firstly, a positive change in perception relating to their own capabilities and influence, resulting in increased confidence, self-esteem, and a greater understanding of the research process. Secondly, the women developed greater awareness of and interest in issues affecting their community coupled with greater empathy towards fellow residents, inspiring a determination to work towards achieving positive changes. However, the women expressed concerns that the needs assessment had raised expectations within the community and they would be held responsible for delivering change. Further research is recommended into the experiences of lay researchers, particularly the longer term impact of being involved both to themselves individually and the wider community.Keywords: community researcher; lay research; community health needs assessment; participatory research Mucha atenció n se ha prestado en añ os recientes a las cualidades de incluir miembros de la comunidad en el proceso de investigació n los beneficios resultados en cuanto a los resultados de la los resultados de la investigación. Mucho menos se sabe de las experiencias de individuos que tienen el papel de investigador dentro de sus propios comunidades. Esta investigació n trata de las experiencias de seis mujeres jóvenes asiáticas que llevaron a cabo una evaluación de las necesidades comunitarias de la salud, después de recibir formación, en un barrio de Bradford. Entrevistas semi-estructuradas se realizaron. Los resultados indicaron fue una experiencia positivo sobre todo, que afectó a las mujeres de dos maneras principales. En primer lugar, se aumentó se percepció n de sus habilidades e influencia, lo que resultó en mejor confianza y un entendimiento mejor del proceso de investigar. En segundo lugar, las mujeres ganaron mejor conciencia y interés hacia los asuntos cos los que se enfrenta su comunidad, y más empatía hacia sus vecinos, lo que inspira una voluntad de trabajar para cumplir

Evaluating patient and stakeholder engagement in research: moving from theory to practice

“…Patient empowerment Knowledge of community needs (empathy), services available, motivation to help community (citizenship literacy) [28] Patients motivated to take interest in community, developed greater empathy and understanding of others in community [62] Improved 'citizenship' literacy [45] None reported…”

“…Patient or community research knowledge, skills and capacity [10,18,41,44,47,49,59] Increased learning of new skills (including research skills) and knowledge on topic area [18] Increased learning by patients [38] Increased knowledge and skills, putting learning/training into practice and raised awareness of issues and services [25] Enhanced teamwork skills [45] None reported Self-empowerment, increased selfconfidence, feeling of being valued and making a contribution [10,18,21,24,31,34,35,38,39,44,51,54,55,63,64] Increased confidence/sense of personal achievement [45] Equal status on project team, ownership of services being received, social support, increased confidence and self-esteem [25] None reported Impact on mental health of patients [62] Improved emotional health feel valued and involved and having activities to look forward to [25] Enhanced outlook on life [45] Development of patients' pride and ownership of their work [62] None reported…”

Using community-based research within regeneration. The role of the researcher within community-based approaches – exploring experiences within Objective 1 South Yorkshire

“…This research gives further insight into the adoption of researcher roles and what participating means for those who actually do it. This exploration of the Objective 1 setting found that a number of different researcher roles were adopted and this resulted in a variety of perceived benefits, similarly reported by Newell and South (2009). Problems were also reported, akin to those already described in much of the literature and these were experienced irrespective of the level of participation of individuals and their differential roles.…”

“…South et al (2012) also call for attention to be given to the difference between formal and informal roles, as well as spectrums of participation along which researcher roles are located. Thus, more analysis is needed particularly in relation to the unquestioned assumptions reported about the positive experiences of lay researchers within numerous studies (Newell & South 2009, see Rowe 2006, Kai and Hedges 1999, Rhodes et al 2000. It may also be the case that there has simply been a lack of consideration of the issues associated with the personal implications of working within a lay researcher role (Newall and South 2009).…”

Managing health impacts of heat in South East Queensland, Australia

“…15,22,26,31 In particular, individuals from vulnerable groups (defined through common social and/or geographical interests/characteristics) can take an active role in researching needs and assessing hazards and their capacities. 32,33 Background -The SEQ Context…”