Navigating Inclusive Research in PhD Studies: A Model for Limited Resource Environments

Inclusive research, which emphasises the active involvement of people with disabilities in the research process, is increasingly recognised as vital for enhancing research quality. Despite its importance, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding implementing inclusive research within d...

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Main Authors: Laura Ryan, Kathy Ellem, Robyne Le Brocque, Claire Mitchell, Luka Langdon
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2025-12-01
Series:International Journal of Qualitative Methods
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069241311201
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author Laura Ryan
Kathy Ellem
Robyne Le Brocque
Claire Mitchell
Luka Langdon
author_facet Laura Ryan
Kathy Ellem
Robyne Le Brocque
Claire Mitchell
Luka Langdon
author_sort Laura Ryan
collection DOAJ
description Inclusive research, which emphasises the active involvement of people with disabilities in the research process, is increasingly recognised as vital for enhancing research quality. Despite its importance, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding implementing inclusive research within doctoral studies in health and wellbeing. This paper has addressed this gap by providing a practical model of how the first author conducted PhD research with two health service consumer advisors with Down syndrome. The consumer advisors participated in eleven meetings lasting up to 2 hours, with a tailored involvement plan that considered their specific needs. The paper has drawn on reflections and feedback from both the PhD student and the advisors, using sources from reflective journals, email exchanges, and meeting notes. The consumer advisors remained engaged throughout the project, offering valuable insights relating to the design, data collection, interpretation and dissemination of the findings. The study highlighted that inclusion can be adapted to fit specific circumstances, even within the constraints of higher degree research and limited resources. It has underscored the importance of consumer advisor involvement for the success of doctoral research. The paper concludes by stressing the need for universities to support PhD students in fostering inclusive research practices.
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spelling doaj-art-906e4ff117eb4be3a23d9d91d3c9907f2025-01-07T17:03:20ZengSAGE PublishingInternational Journal of Qualitative Methods1609-40692025-12-012410.1177/16094069241311201Navigating Inclusive Research in PhD Studies: A Model for Limited Resource EnvironmentsLaura RyanKathy EllemRobyne Le BrocqueClaire MitchellLuka LangdonInclusive research, which emphasises the active involvement of people with disabilities in the research process, is increasingly recognised as vital for enhancing research quality. Despite its importance, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding implementing inclusive research within doctoral studies in health and wellbeing. This paper has addressed this gap by providing a practical model of how the first author conducted PhD research with two health service consumer advisors with Down syndrome. The consumer advisors participated in eleven meetings lasting up to 2 hours, with a tailored involvement plan that considered their specific needs. The paper has drawn on reflections and feedback from both the PhD student and the advisors, using sources from reflective journals, email exchanges, and meeting notes. The consumer advisors remained engaged throughout the project, offering valuable insights relating to the design, data collection, interpretation and dissemination of the findings. The study highlighted that inclusion can be adapted to fit specific circumstances, even within the constraints of higher degree research and limited resources. It has underscored the importance of consumer advisor involvement for the success of doctoral research. The paper concludes by stressing the need for universities to support PhD students in fostering inclusive research practices.https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069241311201
spellingShingle Laura Ryan
Kathy Ellem
Robyne Le Brocque
Claire Mitchell
Luka Langdon
Navigating Inclusive Research in PhD Studies: A Model for Limited Resource Environments
International Journal of Qualitative Methods
title Navigating Inclusive Research in PhD Studies: A Model for Limited Resource Environments
title_full Navigating Inclusive Research in PhD Studies: A Model for Limited Resource Environments
title_fullStr Navigating Inclusive Research in PhD Studies: A Model for Limited Resource Environments
title_full_unstemmed Navigating Inclusive Research in PhD Studies: A Model for Limited Resource Environments
title_short Navigating Inclusive Research in PhD Studies: A Model for Limited Resource Environments
title_sort navigating inclusive research in phd studies a model for limited resource environments
url https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069241311201
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