The Hard Evidence Play: A Process Evaluation of the Use of Creative Methods as a Tool for Research Dissemination

Problem

Disseminating research findings is an important activity on the pathway to impact. However, traditional dissemination methods can create a barrier towards the public being informed about and engaging with new research. The coMforT feasibility study developed and trialled a community-based trauma-informed mindfulness intervention for women who had experienced domestic abuse. Following completion, two members of the coMforT public advisory group, with a history of domestic abuse, worked with a community theatre to create and perform a play ‘Hard Evidence’. The purpose was to develop an innovative way of disseminating messages around domestic abuse and the effect of public involvement in research. This study aimed to explore if a play co-created with study public contributors is an acceptable method for involving members of the public in research and disseminating research findings.

Approach

We conducted a mixed methods study comprising of play observations (n=2), questionnaire survey (n=20) and qualitative feedback forms (n=56) from play audiences, and semi-structured qualitative interviews with the project team and audiences (n=15). Quantitative data were analysed descriptively. We utilised the framework method to analyse qualitative data, basing on deductive coding on the theoretical framework of acceptability of healthcare interventions (TFA). We carried out quantitative and qualitative analyses in parallel and integrated findings using the ‘follow the thread’ method, mapping integrated ‘threads’ onto TFA constructs.

Findings

We developed twelve themes categorised by the TFA constructs: 1) Affective Attitude: both the audience and the project team experienced a range of strong emotions whilst engaging with the play (including anxiety, pride, hope and enjoyment). 2) Burden: practical burdens to the project team were minimized with adequate resources. Care was needed to prevent people from being re-traumatized by the play. 3) Ethicality: all interviewees felt the values expressed by Hard Evidence aligned with their own ethical views, which motivated involvement. 4) Intervention Coherence: a play was felt to be an accessible and engaging way of disseminating research, the community theatre aspect was particularly powerful for domestic abuse survivors. 5) Opportunity Costs: public contributors had to give up other activities to engage with the play, but audiences did not. 6) Perceived Effectiveness: the quality and depth of engagement were valued over breadth. The play was felt to be effective both at raising awareness of domestic abuse and public involvement in research. 7) Self-efficacy: trusting relationships were reported to be key to how confident people felt in their roles.

Consequences

Findings indicate that co-creating a play with study public contributors is an acceptable tool for research dissemination and involving members of the public in research. Results of this study will be used to inform a ‘how-to-guide' for researchers thinking about using creative methods for disseminating findings and promoting public involvement in research.