PARES-MH: Rooted in Ancient Wisdom, Tailored for Modern Challenges
Ethos and Etymology: The Spirit of PARES-MH
At the core of PARES-MH (PAtient RESearch Partners in Mental Health) lies an ethos that reflects time-honored wisdom.
What is Ethos?
Ethos signifies the underlying spirit that informs the actions, beliefs, and strategies within our research environment. The term "PARES" (pronounced PAH-rays) means equals. The Latin phrase Primus Inter Pares, meaning "first among equals." This foundational philosophy is the bedrock from which we begin. It ensures that everyone—researchers and patient-partners—has an equal say and stake in the research process.
Questions for Reflection
How does the concept of Primus Inter Pares influence your perception of collaborative research?
In what ways can we embody Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of service and greatness in our research environment?
Core and Guiding Principles: The Compass of PARES-MH
What Are Core and Guiding Principles?
These are foundational beliefs and values that navigate the trajectory of the research process. They serve as benchmarks for ethical conduct, collaboration, and the collective pursuit of knowledge.
Equality and Mutual Respect
Importance
Equality and respect are imperative for fostering an environment where everyone's opinions and contributions are valued equally.
Considerations
How can we maintain equality across different levels of experience and expertise?
What are actionable steps to cultivate mutual respect among team members?
Flexibility and Autonomy
Importance
Flexibility accommodates personal needs and unique strengths, whereas autonomy empowers individuals to contribute in ways most meaningful to them.
Considerations
How can roles be adapted to fit individual skills and interests?
What can be done to encourage self-directed participation?
Foundational Concepts and Their Application
What Are Foundational Concepts?
These are operational ideas and frameworks that give shape to the research process, ensuring alignment with the guiding principles.
Well-Being and Self-Care
Importance
Well-being and self-care are paramount, especially in the challenging landscape of mental health research.
Considerations
What wellness resources can be integrated into the project?
How can self-care be embedded in research tasks and timelines?
Lifelong Learning
Importance
Lifelong learning sustains the intellectual and personal growth of every team member.
Considerations
What opportunities for skill development can be provided?
How can learning experiences be shared and celebrated?
Metrics for Evaluation: Gauging the PARES-MH Journey
Process Evaluation
This examines the efficiency, quality, and fidelity of the methods used in research. It looks at how well the guiding principles and foundational concepts are integrated into day-to-day operations.
Intent Evaluation
This focuses on whether the project is meeting its stated ethos. It gauges alignment with the core values and guiding principles.
Outcome Evaluation
This assesses the tangible outputs of the research. It measures not just academic yields like publications, but also the impact on policy, practice, and most importantly, the lives of those involved.
Each of these metrics offers its own lens for understanding the success and areas of improvement in the research process, guiding us toward a research paradigm that is not only scientific but humane.
Questions for Reflection
How can the metrics be refined to capture nuanced aspects of collaboration and impact?
What other elements could be important indicators of our research ethos and efficiency?
By meticulously developing and adhering to this structured yet flexible framework, PARES-MH aims to rewrite the standard narrative in mental health research. Our ethos, guiding principles, foundational concepts, and robust evaluation metrics serve as critical pillars in this pursuit, taking us one step closer to a research environment that is equitable, humane, and profoundly impactful.
Rao, 2023. This may not be reproduced without the author’s explicit consent.
