Open AccessAn engaged approach to exploring issues around poverty and mental health: A reflective evaluation of the research process from researchers and community partners involved in the DeStress study
Author(s) -
Thomas Felicity,
Hansford Lorraine,
Wyatt Katrina,
Byng Richard,
Coombes Karen,
Finch Jenna,
Finnerty Kirsty,
Ford Joe,
Guppy Keith,
Guppy Rachel,
Hughes Susanne,
McCabe Rose,
Richardson Hilary,
Roche Debbie,
Stuteley Hazel
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
health expectations
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.314
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1369-7625
pISSN - 1369-6513
DOI - 10.1111/hex.13065
Subject(s) - coproduction , mental health , poverty , community engagement , public relations , qualitative research , psychology , medical education , sociology , nursing , medicine , political science , psychotherapist , social science , law
Background Involving patients, service users, carers and members of the public in research has been part of health policy and practice in the UK for the last 15 years. However, low‐income communities tend to remain marginalized from the co‐design and delivery of mental health research, perpetuating the potential for health inequalities. Greater understanding is therefore needed on how to meaningfully engage low‐income communities in mental health research. Objectives To explore and articulate whether and how an engaged research approach facilitated knowledge coproduction relating to poverty and mental distress. Setting A reflective evaluation of community and researcher engagement in the DeStress study that took place in two low‐income areas of South‐west England. Design Reflective evaluation by the authors through on‐going feedback, a focus group and first‐person writing and discussion on experiences of working with the DeStress project, and how knowledge coproduction was influenced by an engaged research approach. Results An engaged research approach influenced the process and delivery of the DeStress project, creating a space where community partners felt empowered to coproduce knowledge relating to poverty‐related mental distress, treatment and the training of health professionals that would otherwise have been missed. We examine motivations for involvement, factors sustaining engagement, how coproduction influenced research analysis, findings and dissemination of outputs, and what involvement meant for different stakeholders. Conclusion Engaged research supported the coproduction of knowledge in mental health research with low‐income communities which led to multiple impacts.