Methodological Innovation

Collaborative Photovoice PhD with Coventry University

Key aim:

PhD research focused on the co-design of self-management support with, and for, young women with Type 1 Diabetes, Rachael Hughson-Gill.

Type 1 diabetes is a demanding and challenging chronic condition that requires constant self-management. This can be difficult for young women as condition management is intertwined within the complexities, turbulence and social intensity of day-to-day young adult life. The unique challenges for young women, make this an age group with the need for a targeted intervention.

As part of the co-design process, Rachael completed a creative and novel study employing the Photovoice method. Over a week, five young women with Type 1 Diabetes took and narrated photographs illustrating and exploring their management of the condition. The group then discussed and explored these photos and what they represent, uncovering themes of barriers and facilitators.

GILL: Integrating Gender-Responsive Approaches into User-Centred Health Innovation

Key Aim:

The Gendered Innovation Living Labs (GILL) project (2023-2025) is a European initiative that aims to make innovation, entrepreneurship, and product development more inclusive by ensuring that gender and diversity are considered throughout the innovation process. Many technologies, services, and policies are developed without fully considering the different needs and experiences of women and other underrepresented groups. GILL works to address these gaps by developing practical tools, methods, training resources, and guidance that help organisations create more equitable and responsive innovations.

Testimonials

During my PhD journey, D4D has been an amazing source of support and guidance.The supervision and mentorship of Louise Moody greatly supported the development of my understanding and practice of co-designing with and for people. The practical support from the wider D4D team was instrumental, particularly in helping me build networks with charities, individuals living with the condition, and practitioners. As an early-career researcher, the team's encouragement and guidance have been incredibly meaningful to me, both professionally and personally.

Rachael Hughson-Gill, PhD Student/Research Assistant

Being part of the D4D team has allowed me access to great collaborative opportunities, with end-users and expanded my knowledge of methods such as co-production and effective community engagement. The supportive and enthusiastic team allow for the exploration and expansion of research ideas, with easily available resources to help with knowledge gaps.

Hina Khan, Dementia Clinical Research Fellow and Neurologist

Challenge

Too often HealthTech remains underused, or abandoned leading to poor management of health, wasted equipment and increased treatment costs

Inadequate uptake, acceptance and adoption can arguably be addressed through improved development, evaluation and implementation to ensure HealthTech better addresses the needs of users and stakeholders throughout the supply chain and life-cycle

This theme seeks to capitalise on academic expertise to challenge, develop and advance methodological practice, and consider how evidence is developed and applied in practice to facilitate successful innovation

Our Approach

We will facilitate application of creative, innovative, evidence-based and pragmatic methodological approaches to:

Ensure HealthTech is appropriate for the lived experience, values, and needs, of those living with iLTC

Co-produce HealthTech that addresses stakeholder needs as well as key strategic priorities and pressing healthcare challenges

Guide evaluation and evidence HealthTech value propositions

Support and guide real-world implementation and use to improve adoption, adaptation to new/changing contexts, spread and sustainment

Collaboration:

Cross theme collaboration:

In partnership with the clinical themes we seek to understand needs, advise and contribute to uptake and integration of novel methodology

We will collaborate with PPIE/EDI colleagues to advance methods of involvement

Together we will co-create and embed ‘what matters most’ to people, their families and wider communities to ensure that groups are not excluded from HealthTech development or use