Electronic versions

Documents

DOI

  • Shaima Hassan
    University of LiverpoolNIHR Applied Research Collaboration ARC NWC, Liverpool, UK
  • Lucy Melville-Richards
  • Adele Ring
    NIHR Applied Research Collaboration ARC NWC, Liverpool, UK University of Liverpool
  • Jane Cloke
    NIHR Applied Research Collaboration ARC NWC, Liverpool, UK University of Liverpool
  • Sandra Smith
    NIHR Applied Research Collaboration ARC NWC, Liverpool, UK
  • Pooja Saini
    Liverpool John Moores University
  • Mark Goodall
    NIHR Applied Research Collaboration ARC NWC, Liverpool, UK University of Liverpool
  • Ana Porrosche-Escudero
    Lancaster University
  • Jennie Popay
    Lancaster University
  • Mark Gabbay
    NIHR Applied Research Collaboration ARC NWC, Liverpool, UKUniversity of Liverpool
The Health Inequalities Assessment Toolkit (HIAT) was developed to support those involved in health research to integrate a focus on health inequalities. Our study focuses on bringing together the concepts of boundary objects (BO) and brokers-as-bricoleurs to explain the implementation of the HIAT within a research capacity building programme. Exploring the extent to which (i) the HIAT operated as a BO and (ii) the ideal conditions to nurture and enhance its effectiveness during knowledge mobilisation. We employed a qualitative approach to analyse: semi-structured focus groups and telephone interviews; secondary data from an evaluation of the wider research programme within which the capacity building was situated. Data was thematically analysed incorporating the properties of a BO: meaningfulness, convergence, resonance and authenticity. Four main themes identified: (1) Generating convergence through creating a focus (2) Reconciling differences to create a common language (3) Workshop facilitators: boundary brokers-as-bricoleurs, (4) Thoughts into action. The HIAT operated as a BO, enabling individuals across the different project teams to galvanise around the issue of health inequalities, explore collaboratively and incorporate equity within service evaluations. Highlighting the importance of involving brokers with an ability to improvise and mobilise around the HIAT, using their expertise to translate and interpret across boundaries and emphasise shared goals. Reflecting on this, a modified tool with additional resources beyond socio-economic causes has been launched as a forum to consider health inequalities from diverse perspectives for use beyond UK health and social care research.

Keywords

  • Health inequities, Boundary object, Health Services Research
Original languageEnglish
Article number100235
JournalSSM - Qualitative Research in Health
Volume3
Early online date13 Feb 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2023

Total downloads

No data available
View graph of relations