Service users' views of the Research Active Programme.

Background The Research Active Programme (RAP) was an eight-week group-based research training programme designed to promote disability rights in research by providing opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to become co-researchers. This article presents an evaluation of the effecti...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Learning Disability Practice Vol. 17; no. 4; pp. 22 - 29
Autores principales: Carey, Eileen, Salmon, Nancy, Higgins, Aideen
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Royal College of Nursing of the United Kingdom (The) May2014
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Background The Research Active Programme (RAP) was an eight-week group-based research training programme designed to promote disability rights in research by providing opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to become co-researchers. This article presents an evaluation of the effectiveness of the RAP from the perspectives of 14 students. Methods Data collection involved individual pre- and post-programme interviews and weekly post-session group feedback with all 14 RAP students. Interviews were transcribed and analysed. Results Students' interests, abilities and learning styles were identified and used alongside continual feedback to guide the curriculum design. Students' perspectives are presented under four domains: foundations to learning, responsive curriculum development, content learning and complementary learning. Conclusions From the students' perspectives, the RAP was a worthwhile investment for them. Participating in the programme provided access to a wider social network in a third-level educational environment and created opportunities for lifelong learners interested in becoming co-researchers.