Gaynor Reid, Evelyn Kinsella, Doreen Shotton and. Paul Cooke 'Research with rather than on local people: reflections on a unique collaborative study'

Overview Background Methodology Working practice Methods Reflections

Background How we came together Halton Health Study ( Burgess et al 2003 ) The link between social deprivation, individual health and access to health care. The potential impact of air pollution, contaminated land and water pollution on the health of residents. The influence of lifestyle and the benefits of a ‘sense of community’ on individual health. Lyn Williams principle investigator Training event – Halton Primary Care Trust (2006) Collaboration

Background Philosophy Collaborative Participatory Level of involvement

Methodology Study Design Oral History A new approach by involving local people throughout the research process Study focused on the health, quality of life and everyday experiences of Halton’s residents Aims to identify the factors that explain Halton’s health profile and some suggestions in which the quality of life may be improved for local residents in the future. to provide a detailed analysis of the factors that residents and healthcare professionals and other groups in Halton perceive to be influencing health and well being in the borough

How we worked together Research team 5 researchers Training Action learning Interview resource pack Recruitment Interviewing Critique interviews Analysis Dissemination

Methods Ethics and research governance Recruitment Interviewers Participants Sample Semi-structured interviews Analysis Archive and dissemination strategy

Participant selection & recruitment Participants will be selected using the following criteria: Halton residents From a representative range of geographical areas within the community Representative of genders Able to provide a verbal or written account of their experiences for the period explored Recruitment initially from community group networks and then by snowballing techniques

Reflections Initial concerns Past experiences of volunteering Motivations - Local network Resources Decision making Team working – qualities and expertise Learning Hopes Overall experience

Questions? For further information contact: Gaynor Reid Directorate of Occupational Therapy Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Johnston Building Brownlow Hill Liverpool L693GB tel: or secretary