A bridge between worlds: Embedding research in telepractice co-design with disability community

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Health Services Research
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Co-production approaches are vital for bridging the research-to-practice gap in service development.
• Patient and public involvement is crucial, especially in disability service provision.
• Embedded research (ER) integrates researchers within organizations to enhance co-production and reduce the translation gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore commonalities and differences between embedded research in a disability context and existing academic literature.
• To reflect on the lived experience of an embedded researcher within a disability support service organization.

Main Methods:

• A literature review of embedded researcher accounts was conducted.
• Personal reflection on lived experience as an embedded researcher was employed.
• A reflexive thematic analysis of research journal entries and other records was performed.

Main Results:

• Five key themes emerged: knowledge bridge, positionality, ethical complexity, anticipating change, and existing in-between.
• Experiences of ER demonstrated commonalities across disciplines.
• Lived experience within a disability organization was crucial for co-produced research.

Conclusions:

• Embedded research experiences are transferable across disciplines.
• While valuable, embedded research in disability services necessitates enhancements in ethical frameworks, methodological guidance, and researcher support.
• Further development is needed to optimize the embedded research approach.