{"id":2725,"date":"2024-03-31T17:05:38","date_gmt":"2024-03-31T16:05:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/ebn\/?p=2725"},"modified":"2024-03-25T17:06:18","modified_gmt":"2024-03-25T17:06:18","slug":"early-career-researcher-series-why-people-centred-research-matters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/ebn\/2024\/03\/31\/early-career-researcher-series-why-people-centred-research-matters\/","title":{"rendered":"Early career researcher series: Why people centred research matters?"},"content":{"rendered":"

This week\u2019s blog is by Hannah Harvey, Research assistant: Collaborative Working in Health Research (Hannah.Harvey@bcu.ac.uk)<\/p>\n

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The stereotype of researchers as introverted data analysts couldn’t be further from my experience. Like many in healthcare, I dreamt of being a “helper” since childhood. Yet, research initially seemed distant, a world of statistical tests and jargon. My undergraduate experience with mandatory Research Methods modules wasn’t exactly inspiring.<\/p>\n

Human Stories Behind the Data<\/strong><\/p>\n

This all changed during a frustrating attempt to convince my grandma to install grab bars in her bathroom. “Eyesores!” she declared, picturing sterile hospital fixtures clashing with her beautiful teal Art Deco tiles. It hit me then: healthcare interventions only work if people are willing to use them. A look around the living room revealed a menagerie of ornamental medical devices, which \u2013 despite boasting a robust body of supporting evidence \u2013 lay gathering dust. A spirometer propped up the calendar, hearing aids acted as paperweights and the long-forgotten falls alert button was nestled in the fruit bowl.<\/p>\n

Ever since that realisation, I have been puzzled by the challenge of finding ways to create solutions that meet real-life problems. How do you get evidence into bath-time? in my grandma\u2019s ear? or on a lanyard around her neck? How can we \u201chelp people\u201d in a way that they want to be helped? Behind data points on graphs are people with stories to tell, and that is what makes research exciting to me.<\/p>\n

My Route In: Discovering the Power of Co-Methods<\/strong><\/p>\n

So – to everyone\u2019s surprise, including my own – here began my career in research. My PhD explored how diagnosis is explained to families. Now, I focus on how researchers can collaborate with patients and healthcare professionals to create more inclusive and effective interventions.<\/p>\n

The power of co-working (including co-creation, co-design, and co-production)1<\/sup> where diverse stakeholders actively work together to develop solutions2<\/sup>, has been a revelation to me. Forget fancy equipment \u2013 my tools are coloured markers, flipcharts, and an openness to new ideas. Whilst navigating group dynamics and uncertainty can be nerve-wracking, the energy and diverse perspectives are truly inspiring and always leave me feeling motivated to do things differently.<\/p>\n

Challenges and Support Systems for Early Career Researchers<\/strong><\/p>\n

Of course, high quality co-working is not without hurdles. Time constraints, participant recruitment, and managing conflicting viewpoints require continuous learning. But being an Early Career Researcher (ECR) comes with advantages. We are entering a time of rapid change in research practice, with a growing emphasis on collaboration and inclusive approaches3<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

Mentorship has been invaluable to me. One of the greatest supports to me has been joining the “Knowledge to Care” research cluster at Birmingham City University. This allowed me to connect with fellow researchers with a shared passion for getting evidence successfully into practice. \u00a0This supportive environment fostered collaboration and encouraged exploring new communication strategies, like using art forms to bridge the academia-practice gap. My initial forays into knowledge translation (peer-reviewed journals, conferences) felt like shouting into an echo chamber. Working with others allowed me to experiment with creative approaches that resonate with a wider audience.<\/p>\n

Tips for Fellow ECRs Curious About Co-Working<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the joys of being in research is that you are constantly learning and reflecting on how you can do things differently. Whilst I feel far from ready to impart words of wisdom, here are the main things I have found useful in my time as an ECR in the world of co-working:<\/p>\n