Public Involvement in Education and Research

Working with the Faculty of Health & Social Sciences at Bournemouth University to enhance the educational experience and the practice of the future health and social care workforce. The partnership are experts by experience, bringing a unique perspective of these services, having experienced them first-hand.

The partners are involved in various activities, such as lectures, consultation sessions, assessment panels, role plays and simulations, admissions to qualifying postgraduate programmes, curriculum design, portfolio reading, and research.

The PIER partnership are passionate about making a difference in health and social care education and research, and welcoming new members and partners who share their vision and values.

Activities

The PIER partnership is involved in a wide range of activities that aim to enrich the learning experience and outcomes of students and staff, and to inform and improve the practice of the health and social care workforce. Some of the activities they are involved in are:

• Lectures: They share their personal stories and insights with students and staff, to help them understand the lived experiences of service users and carers. They also answer their questions and challenge their assumptions and stereotypes.
  Consultation sessions: They provide feedback and suggestions on the design and delivery of courses, curricula, and assessments, to ensure they are relevant and inclusive. They also help to identify the learning needs and outcomes of students and staff, and to evaluate the quality and impact of the courses.
• Assessment panels: They participate in the assessment of students’ work, such as portfolios, presentations, and dissertations, to offer a different perspective and evaluate their skills and knowledge. They also help to ensure that the assessment criteria and methods are fair and transparent.
• Role plays and simulations: They act as simulated patients or clients in realistic scenarios, to help students develop their clinical and communication skills and confidence. They also give feedback to students and staff on their performance and areas for improvement.
• Admissions to qualifying postgraduate programmes: They are involved in the selection and interview process of applicants to professional courses, such as social work and nursing, to assess their suitability and motivation.
• Curriculum design: They co-create and co-deliver learning materials and activities, such as videos, podcasts, and workshops, to enrich the learning experience and outcomes of students and staff. They also help to ensure that the content and methods are engaging, accessible, and diverse.
• Portfolio reading: They read and comment on students’ reflective portfolios, to support their personal and professional development and learning.
• Research: They are involved in all stages of research activity, from identifying research questions and designing methods, to collecting and analysing data, to disseminating and implementing findings, to evaluating impact and quality.

Members and resources

The PIER partnership has 107 core members, who are experts by experience, and links with 103 organisations and their members who contribute across the Faculty of Health & Social Sciences. They also produce and collate a number of resources, such as academic and research-based publications, videos and audio recordings, for use in higher education and in practice.

Some of the resources they have produced or collated are:

• Introduction video: A short video that introduces the PIER partnership and its mission, vision, and values.
• Annual reports and strategy: Documents that report on the activities, achievements, and impact of the PIER partnership in each academic year, and outline the strategic direction and goals for the future.
• Publications: Articles, books, book chapters, and reports that present the findings, implications, and recommendations of the research projects that the PIER partnership is involved in.
• Videos and audio recordings: Videos and podcasts that showcase the personal stories, insights, and experiences of the PIER partnership members and the students and staff they work with.