Research

Research is the foundation for changing the direction and shape of services; at least that is our experience as service planners and providers.

We have been conducting original research for more than 20 years and our research team is led by Dr Gallagher, , a local GP and former Research Fellow of the Royal College of GPs. We can do everything from generating ideas for research through to conducting, analysing and reporting on research. A non-exhaustive menu of research options we employ are:

 

Our Peer Based Research Training Programme

Who are the experts? TV 'experts' appear most days to give their opinion about the economy or the plight of another endangered species. In health care the 'expert patient' is with us. Most GP practices and hospitals now recognise that it is the patient who really knows what it's like to be a patient and who can give valuable feedback about their experiences. But the pendulum is swinging from listening to patients' views to empowering them to do their own research in their own communities. These researchers are called Peer Based Researchers.

One of the biggest Peer Based Research networks in the world is in Toronto, in Canada, where people in this community research and take action on issues that they are worried about such as child care, homelessness and social care.

This year we completed an innovative Peer Based Research (PBR) training programme. This was with recovering drug and alcohol users. It was supported by South Tyneside Drug Action Team.

A recent graduate of this training course explains; "For me it was about learning about how research is carried out, learning interview techniques, and that it's not haphazard and things are done for a purpose." The training led by Dr Gallagher and our training team was intense; "We used interactive learning methods to help people, who are not used to being in a learning environment, to learn how to do research. The programme covered research design, the importance of consent and confidentiality, how to interview and how to analyse and report findings. It has been a great experience for the research team as well as the PBRs."

There have been other benefits to the PBRs. Another graduate comments, "I have gained in confidence, it's got my head working rather than it stagnating and we have bonded as a group."  Currently the PBRs are engaged in doing supported research looking at why drug users who have never been in treatment do not seek help in South Tyneside.

Dr Julien, one of the trainers and our Managing Director talks about the future of PBR, "I think that Peer Based Research is an important way of transferring power and skills, with the right amount of help and support, to people in our community. I would like to see a network of people with different interests working together to research and take action on the things that matter to them"

Maybe one day, like Toronto, we will see that network of 'community experts' on our doorstep.

First Contact Clinical is keen to work with your community to help you develop Peer Based Research where you are.


If you have a research project you wish to discuss or you would like to find out more about our Peer Based Research programme then contact us.