A design-led framework for engaged research: Using a design approach to understand and place the public at the core of health and social care

Abstract

This paper offers a multi-perspective approach on the role of engaged research in health and social care. Each of the authors focuses on their individual experiences of this domain, from the perspective of an academic partner of the Health Research Board’s PPI Ignite programme, a CEO of an umbrella organisation for health research charities and a researcher in design innovation, focusing on health research. The paper outlines the values which underpin public and patient involvement, as well as examples of its application as engaged research. It details how organisations like Health Research Charities Ireland support and enable engaged research within health and social research and policy. This paper offers a framework for facilitating dialogue and response across all stakeholders in the engaged research process, illustrating the importance of engaged research and how we can further our understanding and application of it within health and social care policy by adopting a design-led approach. We argue that a design-led approach can both facilitate engaged research as well as support policymakers in the design of new policies and practices.

Keywords

• design thinking
• co-design
• social innovation
• public and patient involvement
• healthcare
• social care
• policy
• engaged research