This casebook project is one of many featured in the lived experience in research road map resource, developed by the BC SUPPORT Unit. Explore the full set of casebook projects.
Research priority setting within Fraser Health’s Mental Health and Substance Use Services Program
Project team members include:
- Principle investigator: Adeleke Fowokan
- Team members: Inderpal Dosanjh, Michael Song, Marika Sandrelli, Tobie Patterson, and members of the Research Planning Committee
What is this project about?
We established a patient-centred research committee in Fraser Health’s Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) program by convening a diverse group of people with lived and living experience of mental health and substance use. Together, we promoted the meaningful co-development of MHSU’s research priorities and to inform research priority setting.
Who did you partner with for your project?
People with lived and living experience of mental health and substance use challenges.
How did partners with lived experience contribute during key stages of your research project?
Research stage
Research priority setting
How we partnered
To ensure meaningful engagement, we convened a diverse group of individuals with lived and living experience of mental health and substance use challenges for monthly sessions over a 9-month duration.
Members used virtual collaboration tools to brainstorm research gaps they wished to see addressed by the health system. Following these sessions, members prioritized the brainstormed research questions by assigning a score from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
These rankings were then finalized based on mean response scores to establish a formal research priorities list.
What’s your advice for someone who wants to collaborate with partners with lived experience?
1. Prioritize adaptability: Maintain a flexible approach to patient engagement to effectively respond to patients’ evolving needs.
2. Be intentional in your approach to virtual engagement: When using virtual platforms, you must be proactive and intentional in fostering trust and connection, as virtual environments lack the natural rapport-building of in-person settings.
How can someone learn more about your project?
Contact us: adeleke.fowokan@fraserhealth.ca
Acknowledgments and thanks
This project was funded by a Michael Smith Health Research BC C2 grant.:
- BC SUPPORT Unit, Fraser Centre
- Fraser Health, Department of Evaluation and Research Services
- Fraser Health, Mental Health and Substance Use Leadership Team
This project was collected as part of a casebook that demonstrates patient-oriented research in BC.
Explore the casebook