Article type
Abstract
Background
To ensure responsible research practices and meaningful research outcomes, effective communication and translation of research findings into practice are imperative. Prehospital stroke research is a specialized field that requires knowledge of prehospital care and associated data and procedures. It is crucial to engage a broad spectrum of relevant stakeholders, across multiple disciplines involved in the research and provision of these services.
Objectives
Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the involvement of stakeholders in a PhD project and document their contribution to research outcomes and impact.
Methods
The PhD project in question focused on investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prehospital care of stroke and transient ischemic attack. This mixed-methods project consisted of 5 studies, including a systematic review. Stakeholders were involved at all stages of the research cycle. A stakeholder engagement plan was co-developed at the outset of the project by the research team and members of the National Ambulance Service. Initial stakeholders were involved in identifying and formulating project challenges, identifying further stakeholders, agreeing on processes for appropriate data management and sharing, collecting stakeholder data, categorizing stakeholders into priority groups, devising the stakeholder engagement plan, identifying tools for implementation of the plan, contacting stakeholders, evaluating stakeholder feedback, and adjusting the engagement plan. EB engaged with stakeholders by email, online meetings, and in-person meetings throughout the project lifespan.
Results
Stakeholders involved in this research included prehospital care practitioners and researchers, emergency medicine consultants, and consultant neurologists. EB founded 2 international consortia, including international prehospital practitioners and researchers, dispatch experts, and stroke consultants to shape, co-design, and disseminate the research findings. Stakeholder involvement contributed to this doctoral program in multiple ways: 1) accurate and appropriate cleaning, analysis, and interpretation of prehospital data; 2) identification of appropriate international stakeholders and collaborators; 3) correct use of prehospital terminology and routine key performance indicators; 4) identification of appropriate fora and journals to disseminate findings; and 5) co-development of policy briefs for dissemination of findings to policy and practice audiences.
Conclusions
Stakeholder involvement had a pivotal role in this research, from the initial phases through to dissemination and translation into practice.
To ensure responsible research practices and meaningful research outcomes, effective communication and translation of research findings into practice are imperative. Prehospital stroke research is a specialized field that requires knowledge of prehospital care and associated data and procedures. It is crucial to engage a broad spectrum of relevant stakeholders, across multiple disciplines involved in the research and provision of these services.
Objectives
Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the involvement of stakeholders in a PhD project and document their contribution to research outcomes and impact.
Methods
The PhD project in question focused on investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prehospital care of stroke and transient ischemic attack. This mixed-methods project consisted of 5 studies, including a systematic review. Stakeholders were involved at all stages of the research cycle. A stakeholder engagement plan was co-developed at the outset of the project by the research team and members of the National Ambulance Service. Initial stakeholders were involved in identifying and formulating project challenges, identifying further stakeholders, agreeing on processes for appropriate data management and sharing, collecting stakeholder data, categorizing stakeholders into priority groups, devising the stakeholder engagement plan, identifying tools for implementation of the plan, contacting stakeholders, evaluating stakeholder feedback, and adjusting the engagement plan. EB engaged with stakeholders by email, online meetings, and in-person meetings throughout the project lifespan.
Results
Stakeholders involved in this research included prehospital care practitioners and researchers, emergency medicine consultants, and consultant neurologists. EB founded 2 international consortia, including international prehospital practitioners and researchers, dispatch experts, and stroke consultants to shape, co-design, and disseminate the research findings. Stakeholder involvement contributed to this doctoral program in multiple ways: 1) accurate and appropriate cleaning, analysis, and interpretation of prehospital data; 2) identification of appropriate international stakeholders and collaborators; 3) correct use of prehospital terminology and routine key performance indicators; 4) identification of appropriate fora and journals to disseminate findings; and 5) co-development of policy briefs for dissemination of findings to policy and practice audiences.
Conclusions
Stakeholder involvement had a pivotal role in this research, from the initial phases through to dissemination and translation into practice.