By John Kellas
Meaningful participation in conversations about data and digital health aspects of research and procurement is not straight forward. A certain amount of confidence is required. Without some knoweldge about key terms and concepts, it is basically impossible for people to understand principles or practicalities about aspects of digital and data in healthcare.
Over the last 8 years I have been commissioned by the Bristol Health Parters to run public engagement events and support community and innovation engagement between communities of professionals and the public. The landscape and network connections of the health and cares services is complicated, and topics of data and digital health are esoteric. I have had a privileged position to learn about local and national health and care services through my work preparing for knowledge sharing initiatives between professionals and the public.
I have found that I can put in to good use my knowledge of the health sector, digital health, data and community engagement to support ‘’Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement’ by offering training and codesign and co-delivery public involvement initiatives.
In 2018 I started working with Andy Gibson Associate Professor of Public Involvement(PHWE). Our initial work together involved designing and delivering training for public contributors on the Use of digital health and health data – link.
We have now run variations of this training for local and national research projects and patient and public involvement groups for the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Public Involvement network members. The South West Research Design service has also commissioned delivery of this training for Public Contributors.
With a bit of time and willingness, people can quickly build up knowledge of key terms and concepts and gain the confidence to engage in topical conversations.
The training utilises short subject matter expert presentation, group discussion, use of images, and critical questioning.
Feedback has been excellent and 100% of participants have said that they would recommend the training.