From Power Over to Power With: The PARTNER Tool for Transformation in Participatory Health Research

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Social Sciences
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Power dynamics are critical yet often overlooked in participatory health research (PHR).
• Translating theoretical power concepts into practical research strategies presents a significant challenge.
• Understanding power is essential for advancing equity in health research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine the multifaceted nature of power within PHR.
• To explore power as both a constraint and a catalyst for transformative, equity-driven research.
• To bridge the gap between theoretical power frameworks and actionable research practices.

Main Methods:

• Grounded in foundational theories of power.
• Utilized analytical lenses: Power Over, Power To, Power With, Power Within, and Power Through.
• Introduced the Power Assessment Reflexivity Tool for Navigating Equality in Research (PARTNER) as a heuristic tool.

Main Results:

• Identified various expressions of power and their operational contexts in PHR.
• PARTNER, co-developed with lived and living experience co-researchers, provides practical guidance.
• The tool facilitates navigation of power complexities to foster equity and justice.

Conclusions:

• Recognizing power's dual role as a barrier and possibility is crucial for impactful PHR.
• Moving beyond abstract discussions, the commentary offers a practical entry point for addressing power substantively.
• PARTNER supports research teams in enacting meaningful change aligned with systemic justice goals.