A primer on participatory research for health professional education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11157/fohpe.v25i3.860Keywords:
participatory research; research design; co-researchers; methodology; collaborative researchAbstract
Participatory research methodologies are gaining traction in health professional education research (HPER) due to their ability to foster collaboration and inclusivity with communities involved in or affected by the issues being studied. This paper provides an introduction for researchers new to participatory research in HPER. It aims to guide researchers in the thoughtful integration of participatory methods into their research practices. We define participatory research as a diverse approach that engages health professionals, students, patients and other community members as co-researchers actively involved in shaping the research process. Drawing on examples from the field, we explore the potential benefits of participatory research, including the co-production of knowledge, improved relevance of findings and enhanced impact on practice. However, we also acknowledge the complexities and challenges, including the need for researcher flexibility, ethical considerations and appropriate levels of participation, depending on project goals and funding constraints. To support researchers, we outline key questions that prompt critical deliberation when considering participatory approaches. Ultimately, this paper encourages researchers to reflect on the epistemic shifts required to adopt participatory methodologies and to consider how these approaches can foster more inclusive, collaborative and meaningful contributions to health professional education and research.
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