EQUIPS is a network for those who ‘do’ research (e.g., academics), those who wish to use research (e.g., healthcare staff), and those whose care can benefit from research (e.g., patient partners). EQUIPS advocates for ‘co-design’, meaning all stakeholders are encouraged to work together in equal partnership, to achieve the aims of EQUIPS, and inform the research produced by the network.
This page outlines the types of stakeholders we aim to recruit to the network, and what they can expect from EQUIPS.
Stakeholder types:
We acknowledge not everyone will ‘fit’ into these terms and encourage anyone with an interest in Quality and Patient Safety research and improvement to get involved with EQUIPS as they deem appropriate. We strive for equal partnership between all stakeholder ‘types’.
- ‘Researchers’ – those individuals whose primary role involves conducting research and teaching
- ‘Knowledge Users’ – this term refers to anyone who wishes to use the knowledge produced by the research network to inform their work or care journey.
- Patient and Public Partners – this term, self-selected by the founding Patient Advisory Group members refers to ‘patients, service users, carers, families using health and social care services, people with lived experience of health conditions (who may or may not be current patients), patient advocacy organisations, and members of the public’ (from HSE Research & Development, Guide to Patient and Public Involvement in Research, 2021, pp. 3).
What do members do?
- Co-designing quality and patient safety (QPS) research of relevance to Irish healthcare priorities
- Accessing the most recent evidence from QPS research carried out by other network members
- Networking opportunities with researchers, knowledge users, and Patient and Public Partners
- Showcasing their research and improvement stories to other members via a dedicated space on the website, at events, and EQUIPS social media platforms
- Accessing specific training developed by the Network
- Some members may wish to be more actively involved in the research network by joining a Strand or cluster group and supporting delivery of the work programme.
What can members expect from EQUIPS?
The EQUIPS Research Network aims to provide information to members on Quality and Patient Safety (QPS) research matters, including on the website, by email communication, and by hosting events.
EQUIPS also aims to act as a knowledge brokerage forum, facilitating collaboration on research in line with its aim to “coordinate and accelerate QPS research”. Submit your research idea or project to our knowledge brokerage forum.
To stay in touch, sign up to join and receive our newsletter using the links at the bottom of the page.
