Abstract
BackgroundThe term peer researcher describes the role of a person who has similar characteristics and can identify with the participant group in a research study. This paper describes the methodological approach and experiences of older people who were peer researchers on a study that explored the lived experience of people with dementia who lived in technology‐enriched housing.MethodsNine people responded to a public recruitment campaign through nongovernment organisations using multiple methods such as seniors' forums, development officers and social media. Mandatory training across 2 days was provided and seven peer researchers successfully completed the training. A total of 22 interviews were undertaken by the seven peer researchers. The data collected from the training feedback proforma (N = 7), interview debrief forms (N = 22) and final evaluation forms (N = 5) were analysed using content analysis and triangulated.ResultsFive core themes emerged from the data using a content analysis approach to examine the peer researchers' experience: (1) skill development; (2) recognition of competencies; (3) connection; (4) supplementary information; and (5) the triad dynamic.ConclusionsConsiderations to enhance the peer researcher experience emerged including enhanced communication training, consideration of the optimum number of peer researchers to balance workload and identification of the characteristics that enable people to connect as peer researchers. Future research should consider the impact that experiential skill development has on the data collected.Public ContributionOlder people conducted qualitative interviews as peer researchers with people living with dementia to cocreate knowledge.
Highlights
The lived experience of people living with dementia has often been overlooked in research.[1]
This paper provides a background on peer researcher adoption into research and specific insight into the recruitment, preparation and role of older people as peer researchers in a project investigating the lived experience of older people living with dementia
It is in line with previous research in that the peer researcher's role proved meaningful for the recruited older people and their peer researcher skills developed over time
Summary
The lived experience of people living with dementia has often been overlooked in research.[1]. The Technology‐Enriched Supported Accommodation‐Dementia Research Initiative (TESA‐DRI) project sought to explore the experiences of people living with dementia, as well as their family caregivers and formal caregivers, where TESA had been the choice of accommodation when the primary home was no longer a viable option and as an alternative to institutional care. This paper describes the methodological approach and experiences of older people who were peer researchers on a study that explored the lived experience of people with dementia who lived in technology‐enriched housing. Results: Five core themes emerged from the data using a content analysis approach to examine the peer researchers' experience: (1) skill development; (2) recognition of competencies; (3) connection; (4) supplementary information; and (5) the triad dynamic. Public Contribution: Older people conducted qualitative interviews as peer researchers with people living with dementia to cocreate knowledge
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