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The ECOUTER methodology for stakeholder engagement in translational research
Madeleine J Murtagh1,2, Joel T Minion3, Andrew Turner3
1Data2Knowledge (D2K) Research Group, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. madeleine.murtagh@bristol.ac.uk.
BMC Medical Ethics
|April 6, 2017
Summary
This study introduces the ECOUTER methodology for research engagement, addressing challenges in representation and knowledge exchange. ECOUTER uses mind-mapping to foster open, adaptable engagement, ensuring research relevance for diverse stakeholders.
Area of Science:
- Research Methodology
- Knowledge Exchange
- Stakeholder Engagement
Background:
- Effective research requires mechanisms for knowledge exchange and engagement beyond scientific expertise.
- Engaging patients and the public brings research closer to its users and ensures relevance.
- Public and stakeholder engagement is crucial for translating research into practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore epistemic and ontological considerations of common critiques in engagement methodologies.
- To introduce and describe the ECOUTER (Employing COnceptUal schema for policy and Translation Engagement in Research) methodology.
- To address challenges in representativeness, communication, impact, and democracy in research engagement.
Main Methods:
- The ECOUTER methodology addresses representation and epistemic foundationalism with the question, "How could it be otherwise?"
- It utilizes saturation to keep considerations open and employs reflexive qualitative analytic methods.
- ECOUTER uses iterative mind-mapping to facilitate open engagement within spatial and temporal constraints.
Main Results:
- The ECOUTER process involves four stages: engagement and knowledge exchange, mind-map analysis, conceptual schema development, and feedback/refinement.
- A worked example and four pilot studies demonstrate the ECOUTER process.
- ECOUTER balances engagement breadth, accessibility, and user-determined scope.
Conclusions:
- ECOUTER is a flexible, adaptable, and open methodology that can be shaped by its users.
- It offers a novel approach to research engagement, moving beyond fixed truths and natures.
- The methodology promises to enhance the relevance and impact of research translation.