Skip to main content

Table 5 Evaluation of public involvement in health research

From: Moving towards a more inclusive patient and public involvement in health research paradigm: the incorporation of a trauma-informed intersectional analysis

Questions for the research team (i.e. Researchers and Public Research Partners)

1. How did the way in which people with lived experience were involved in the research project help to reduce health inequities (i.e. avoidable and unjust inequalities in health between and within groups of people)?

2. How often were there opportunities to challenge ideas and renegotiate power within the research project team? How were these moments handled?

3. How did the research team work together to actively define, address and ensure emotional, psychological and physical safety for all research team members?

4. Was there a belief in the primacy of the people, families and communities with lived experience, as well as in the resilience of individuals and communities to heal and promote recovery?

5. Was there an understanding that the experience of trauma may be an aspect that brings us all together and helps to level power differences on the research team?

6. Did the research team understand the importance of differences in power and the way in which certain groups of people, historically, have not had the same opportunity to voice their concerns as well as the same choices as other groups of people, and may have received coercive, disrespectful treatment within the healthcare system?

7. Did the research team make sure to address historical and present-day trauma resulting from colonization, patriarchy, racism, heterosexism, ableism and capitalism?

8. Did the research team actively work to dismantle past cultural stereotypes and biases (e.g. based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, religion, gender-identity, gender expression, geography, etc.)?

9. Did the research team leverage the healing value of traditional cultural connections?

10. Did the research team incorporate policies, protocols, and processes that are responsive to cultural needs?

11. Did the research team have access to cultural and gender responsive support services in case a researcher or public research partner requires additional support due to past experiences of trauma?