Underserved communities help identify way to make health research fairer
Methods to remove the barriers that prevent people from underserved communities in Derbyshire from participating in health research have been shared at two celebration events.
Researchers from Derbyshire Community Health Services Foundation Trust have produced a menu of methods that researchers can use to remove or reduce barriers – and in this way reduce health inequalities.
They spoke in depth to 108 people in two of the most deprived parts of the county – in Barrow Hill and the Low Pavement area of Chesterfield.
The communities who participated included:
- A carer group that supports people with enduring mental health concerns.
- A carer group supporting people with physical and frailty conditions.
- A LGBTQ+ group
- The Asian Association
- The Ukrainian Refugee Social group
- The Hub warm space in central Chesterfield
- Work Pays (an organisation that supports people with functional skills for work)
- Barrow Hill Residents Group
The research findings were shared back with these community groups on Thursday and Friday 13 and 14 March through celebration events at The Haven, Barrow Hill, and The Hub @ Lower Pavement, Chesterfield.
Tracey Elder, who led the research, said: ” Residents in deprived areas often face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, community services, and public spaces.
“People who live in more deprived areas experience increased health inequalities, including lower life expectancy and higher rates of illness.
” It is also the case that underserved communities are often excluded from health research and that means their needs and experiences are not fully understood, leading to healthcare services and treatments that do not work for everyone.
“This risks a further inequalities in access and representation.”
The barriers identified included:
- disability or health needs
- caring responsibilities
- poor transport and parking options
- access to research
- a busy life
- cost of participating
- language barriers
- lack of trust
- stress
The solutions recommended are:
- Creating a safe and inclusive spaces for participation
For example through using group discussions and offering a safe, inclusive and supportive environment
- Help with transport
For example by using central locations, using familiar local places and providing car parking spaces for those with disabilities
- Easy and accessible participation
By hosting research at local, trusted and accessible venues, such as community centres, with child care and a comfortable environment
- Removing the cost of taking part
By paying for contribution, expenses and refreshments
- Recognising contributions
By celebrating involvement in research, keeping people updated and using participation as a potential stepping stone for personal development and learning.
- Providing flexible ways to take part
For example through surveys, online and paper methods, different times of the day, language support and tech support
- Raising awareness and sharing information
By keeping people updated, visiting community groups, working with trusted leaders, and using easily understood language and materials
Tracey said: “Fairer access to research leads to fairer health outcomes – just as equitable access to healthcare encourages greater participation in research.
“These two elements are deeply interconnected, working together to support underserved communities in achieving better health.
“By exploring how to increase access to research, we have discovered how we can make healthcare access fairer too.”
For more information please contact the team via research.enquiries@nhs.net
or 01246 515670.