Written by Louise Blakeborough
Our roles as case managers impact on other people’s lives, and it’s crucial to know and understand that what we’re doing is evidence-based” said Dr Mark Holloway, Senior Brain Injury Case Manager, HeadFirst in his introduction to the first in a series of webinars held last month to raise awareness of the BABICM Research Group, and to encourage members to participate in research projects.
The webinar entitled ‘The Research Journey, the First Steps’, introduced BABICM members to the subject of qualitative research with a presentation by Dr Alyson Norman, Associate Professor of Psychology at Plymouth University. Alyson said: “It’s important to know what question you’re trying to answer in research. Then you design the research study and select the right tools and
methods for collecting and analysing the data”. She discussed theory and its role in the research, ethical governance and principles, informed consent, and registering the research study for approval.
Delegates reviewed a published research study and took part in a feedback session with members of the BABICM Research Group including Jackie Dean, Jo Clark-Wilson, Philippa Feltham-White, Ben Needham-Holmes and Andrew Patterson.
esearch is a crucial aspect of case management, but often people are reluctant to participate in studies. Yet research is important for building a knowledge base, facilitating learning, understanding the issues that affect clients and providing the information required to drive change.
“Research is also about stories” said Mark, “as case managers you see and hear things that others don’t and that’s important. You have a 360-degree picture of brain injury. You are the data source; academics need you as much as we need them”.
In BABICM’s 25th anniversary year, the organisation is proud of the significant and influential role it has played improving and enabling progress for those living with brain injury and complex conditions. Much of the progress has been steered by the BABICM Research Group, a longstanding, active sub-group within the organisation that promotes the dissemination of and encourages research into brain injury and complex case management.
Jackie Dean, BABICM Research Group Chair said: “We would like to encourage more members to become involved in research projects and this seminar was a ‘taster’. We’re open to approaches from members to discuss research projects and ideas relevant to brain injury and brain injury case management”. The Research Group offers a ‘signposting’ service, providing members with ideas and support for research projects, and can also provide academic references of interest. Mark concluded: “None of us have all the answers but between us we may have some of the answers”.
The webinar feedback was extremely positive, and the Research Group will be hosting further sessions later in the year.
Aims of the BABICM Research Group
