Exploring 'outcomes' from a user perspective
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring what the concept of ‘outcomes’ means for users of a community wellbeing service using a participatory action research approach.
IRAS ID
251282
Contact name
Clare Rotheram
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
The proposed study aims to explore the concept of ‘outcomes’ in the context of the Life Rooms service. There is significant pressure to ‘measure’ the value of the Life Rooms model, but what this requires is still somewhat unclear. Outcomes measures hold significant weight within NHS organisations. However, people come to the Life Rooms for many different reasons, ranging from a cup of tea with a friend to needing support in crisis. Therefore, it is difficult to begin to think about how we would measure ‘outcomes’ within this context.
For that reason, the proposed study aims to explore what matters to those that use the service; what is important to them? What do they want to get out of it? In order to do this, it is proposed that Life Rooms users undertake informal conversations with others that use the service. This would take place amongst the every day activity of the Life Rooms, and the conversations would not be out of the ordinary in terms of the conversation that normally happens within the Life Rooms. These co-researchers would then feed back to regular participatory action groups, where the learning would be collated.
Co-researchers will identify participants. They will employ an ethnographic approach in that they will be situated within a communal area in the Life Rooms. They will approach Life Rooms users not currently engaged in a particular activity. They will wear badges to identify themselves. There will be posters displayed around the Life Rooms sites explaining the research, and co-researchers will have copies of these to show when they sit down with someone also. This poster will also be displayed on the Life Rooms website and social media sites.
Due to the above process, no personal identifiable information will be needed to identify potential participants.REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
18/IEC08/0046
Date of REC Opinion
10 May 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion