ADVOCATING CO-PRODUCED RESEARCH

Arts-based research using creative methods to explore, identify and develop ideas for social, system and service change.  

 

Believing change is possible

Creative research methods embedding non- hierarchical ways of working are full of potential for change-making.

Flexible and with multi-layered opportunities to engage, arts-based methods are accessible and respectful to different lived experiences and needs.

From model-making, to cartooning, collage, mapping, creating artworks or visual questionnaires – each research task is tailored to specific research contexts and participants.

“Life can be complicated and change can be messy… so research can’t be ‘neat’. Using creative methodologies means there is room for exploring the ‘messiness’ in simple, accessible ways.”
— Dr Carmen Byrne

Ethical considerations are woven throughout each research stage, using learnings from Health Research Authority Research Ethics Committee, doctoral-level research and research experience.

By bringing together individuals with different experiences – whether individuals with multiple and complex needs (such as mental ill-health, homelessness and poverty), other members of the public, researchers or professionals – the most powerful insights emerge.

Case studies

 

It’s my medication

Peer-led research about medication, mental ill-health and homelessness with Shelter–using model- making and visual questionnaires

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Co-produced map – creative approaches to research

The land of research

Mapping the land of research – with challenges, frustrations, and ideas for change– by bringing together members of the public, researchers and PPI specialists. Working with Oxford University.

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Red flags for episiotomy

Using creative methods as part of co-produced analysis with eight midwifes who undertook a secondary analysis of data about episiotomy from 43 midwives. Working with Oxford University.

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Cause and consequence

Peer-led research about mental ill-health and homelessness with Shelter–using story trees to identify priorities for change to systems and services.

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  • ETHICS

    Good research ethics underpins all creative research approaches –building upon experience on a Health Research Authority Research Ethics Committee.

  • ACCESSIBILITY

    Creative approaches to research means scope for multi-layered opportunities for engagement – mindful of language, learning and other communication needs.

  • INSIGHT

    When life can be chaotic, research methods need to be flexible – creating space for complicated experiences and ideas whilst being simple in its approach.

  • CO-PRODUCTION

    Working in non-hierarchical ways which respect and value insights from lived experiences is essential for making equitable change. Depth of insights emerging are always vital to change.

  • ANALYSIS

    Multi-layered analysis underpins all research, bespoke to research intent, method and, broader context (e.g. social capital). Experienced in layering co-productive analysis and member checking.