Inclusive Research

Feasibility study of a supported self-management intervention for stroke survivors with aphasia (StarStep study)

Stroke survivors with the communication disability of aphasia have previously been underrepresented in research and may face additional challenges to accessing longer- term support. This multi-stage study involved co-producing an accessible and appropriate self-management support programme with stroke survivors with aphasia, their family members and speech and language therapists. The support programme has subsequently been tested in two community speech and language therapy services to evaluate if it is feasible and acceptable. A stakeholder group of stroke survivors with aphasia and family members has helped to steer the research throughout.

More information:
StarStep webpage
Stroke Association StartStep summary

Identifying and supporting digitally excluded older people: the INCLUDE study

This multi-stage project funded by the Vivensa Foundation is developing an inclusive method to identify older people who are more likely to be digitally excluded. It is also exploring older people’s views of the internet and then working with them to develop and test digital support to meet their needs.

More information:
INCLUDE study webpage
INCLUDE study blog

Improving recovery after bowel cancer surgery: Mixed-method feasibility study of a co-produced information intervention (RecoverTogether)

The Recover Together study is an NIHR-funded feasibility study looking at how we can improve the information materials we provide to patients about recovery after surgery. As part of this research we developed a series of new resources and explored how they could be implemented in NHS practice. We convened community co-design groups to help us adapt and translate the materials from English to other languages. For the purpose of this feasibility study, we focussed on Urdu-speaking communities.

More information:
RecoverTogether funding summary
 

Reducing depression in Muslim communities: Development and evaluation of culturally adapted Behavioural Activation therapy

This series of projects developed, piloted and evaluated a culturally adapted treatment to improve access and outcomes for people with depression from Muslim backgrounds, who have the lowest rate of access and poorest outcomes from primary care talking therapy services of all religious groups. The therapy significantly improves treatment outcomes compared to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and social group interventions and has been adopted by therapy teams in the UK and internationally. It is also being taught on psychology courses at universities in the UK, Pakistan and Indonesia.

More information:
Reducing depression in Muslim communities webpage
 

Remote Osteoarthritis Peer mentorship for Socioeconomically Underserved People (RaMIgO)

This multi-stage project involved developing a remote peer mentorship programme with and for people with hip and knee osteoarthritis experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. A process evaluation suggested the mentorship programme was feasible and acceptable, but mentee attendance at the remote mentorship sessions was variable. Stakeholder discussion forums identified various strategies that could help make the mentorship programme successful in the real world.

More information:
RaMIgO final report
Mentorship programme development publication