Building Relationships for Inclusive and Diverse Research Growth and Engagement: BRIDGE
BRIDGE aims to improve the public experience of research through the development and evaluation of related methods.
Our approach
BRIDGE is a multidisciplinary research group driven by the expressed needs of the public. Based in the School of Medicine we are keen to improve the experience of the public and maximise the benefits to all, in all domains of health and care research including: applied health and care, data driven and discovery science.
Research themes
Our themes of interest include:
- public involvement in research
- public engagement in research
- research inclusion
Public involvement in research
Public involvement describes the public/patients actively contributing to research design, execution and/or dissemination. Planning and doing research with, or by, patients and the public (not to, about or for them).
Public engagement in research
Public engagement describes the public/patients being informed about research. Researchers engage with patients/public when they raise awareness of research, share knowledge and create a dialogue with the public.
Research inclusion
Research inclusion describes research that includes participants from all regions and communities, meeting the needs of the whole population. It is about research taking place where it is most needed in communities with highest healthcare needs, research about topics that people want addressing, and research that addresses differences in how people respond to or engage with health and treatments. It is also about developing a more diverse research workforce. Together, research inclusion is about making sure that we address everyone’s health needs fairly so that different communities are no longer underserved.
Current projects
Grandma's House
Traditionally in Afro-Caribbean society, young people visit elder members of the community to learn practical life skills, such as sewing and cooking, parenting and to share experiences. This is known colloquially as visiting ‘Grandma’s House’. We are replicating this generation-to-generation support model. Working with community members, highlighting and applying the community’s shared cultural heritage to strengthening community cohesion, creating educational opportunities, tackling taboos and building stronger relationships between community members, researchers and health and social care services.
Learn more about the Grandma's House project
People
Our partners
We work with a wide range of community groups and other organisations, including:
Publications
- Phillips, O.R., Mardell, D., Stephenson, K. et al. Bringing the voice of social housing tenants into shaping the health and care research agenda. Res Involv Engagem 10, 85 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-024-00613-y [Open Access]
- Phillips, O.R., Harries, C., Leonardi-Bee, J. et al. What are the strengths and limitations to utilising creative methods in public and patient involvement in health and social care research? A qualitative systematic review. Res Involv Engagem 10, 48 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-024-00580-4 [Open Access]