Going beyond co-production: a public contributor led, local evaluation of the National Institute of Health and Social Care (NIHR) Research Champion role

Abstract Background The National Institute of Health and Social Care (NIHR) Research Champion (RC) role, has grown over the last few years. This public contributor role was designed to engage and involve patients and the public in health and care research within the NHS. Yet, there has been little f...

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Main Authors: Julie Hedayioglu, Frances Mossie, Carol Coleman
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-01-01
Series:Research Involvement and Engagement
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-024-00660-5
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author Julie Hedayioglu
Frances Mossie
Carol Coleman
author_facet Julie Hedayioglu
Frances Mossie
Carol Coleman
author_sort Julie Hedayioglu
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background The National Institute of Health and Social Care (NIHR) Research Champion (RC) role, has grown over the last few years. This public contributor role was designed to engage and involve patients and the public in health and care research within the NHS. Yet, there has been little focus on how it is working and experienced. Moreover, there is a lack of research that has been initiated, and/or led, by patients and the public. Aim To conduct a public contributor led evaluation to understand the experiences and perceived impact of the NIHR RC role that supports NHS research. Method A qualitative, formative evaluation using semi-structured interviews. Results Rich and detailed data was obtained from 11 RCs and 4 staff members with thematic analysis identifying four main themes: RC Activities, Recruitment and Background of RCs, their Support and Engagement, and the Impact of the RC role. Conclusions The RC role is highly valued by both staff and volunteers, and is versatile; it can be adapted to the needs of the research, volunteers, and hosting organisations. There are challenges in recruiting to the role but there are many positives to those that have taken it up. These include giving dedicated time, bringing valuable life experiences and professional skills, and being a meaningful activity for the RCs. Greater awareness and recognition of this role as a valuable resource is needed with more attention and investment required to staff supporting RCs.
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spelling doaj-art-e983bb177c0c4deb8ad3b9a5cfba73732025-01-19T12:42:47ZengBMCResearch Involvement and Engagement2056-75292025-01-0111111110.1186/s40900-024-00660-5Going beyond co-production: a public contributor led, local evaluation of the National Institute of Health and Social Care (NIHR) Research Champion roleJulie Hedayioglu0Frances Mossie1Carol Coleman2Kent Community NHS Foundation Trust, Trinity HouseResearch and Innovation Department, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS TrustKent Community NHS Foundation Trust, Trinity HouseAbstract Background The National Institute of Health and Social Care (NIHR) Research Champion (RC) role, has grown over the last few years. This public contributor role was designed to engage and involve patients and the public in health and care research within the NHS. Yet, there has been little focus on how it is working and experienced. Moreover, there is a lack of research that has been initiated, and/or led, by patients and the public. Aim To conduct a public contributor led evaluation to understand the experiences and perceived impact of the NIHR RC role that supports NHS research. Method A qualitative, formative evaluation using semi-structured interviews. Results Rich and detailed data was obtained from 11 RCs and 4 staff members with thematic analysis identifying four main themes: RC Activities, Recruitment and Background of RCs, their Support and Engagement, and the Impact of the RC role. Conclusions The RC role is highly valued by both staff and volunteers, and is versatile; it can be adapted to the needs of the research, volunteers, and hosting organisations. There are challenges in recruiting to the role but there are many positives to those that have taken it up. These include giving dedicated time, bringing valuable life experiences and professional skills, and being a meaningful activity for the RCs. Greater awareness and recognition of this role as a valuable resource is needed with more attention and investment required to staff supporting RCs.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-024-00660-5Research championsPatient and public involvementPublic contributor led
spellingShingle Julie Hedayioglu
Frances Mossie
Carol Coleman
Going beyond co-production: a public contributor led, local evaluation of the National Institute of Health and Social Care (NIHR) Research Champion role
Research Involvement and Engagement
Research champions
Patient and public involvement
Public contributor led
title Going beyond co-production: a public contributor led, local evaluation of the National Institute of Health and Social Care (NIHR) Research Champion role
title_full Going beyond co-production: a public contributor led, local evaluation of the National Institute of Health and Social Care (NIHR) Research Champion role
title_fullStr Going beyond co-production: a public contributor led, local evaluation of the National Institute of Health and Social Care (NIHR) Research Champion role
title_full_unstemmed Going beyond co-production: a public contributor led, local evaluation of the National Institute of Health and Social Care (NIHR) Research Champion role
title_short Going beyond co-production: a public contributor led, local evaluation of the National Institute of Health and Social Care (NIHR) Research Champion role
title_sort going beyond co production a public contributor led local evaluation of the national institute of health and social care nihr research champion role
topic Research champions
Patient and public involvement
Public contributor led
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-024-00660-5
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