Media, Lived Experience and Stakeholder Engagement in Health and Public Health

Health services, public health initiatives and medical technologies are shaped not only by scientific evidence, but also by the experiences, perspectives and communication needs of patients, families, health professionals and communities. However, lived experience and stakeholder knowledge are not always effectively represented in health research, education, service design or public communication. This PhD project will use qualitative and creative research methods to investigate how media, storytelling and lived-experience narratives can contribute to more inclusive, responsive and person-centred health practices. The project may focus on patient experiences of medical imaging, radiation therapy or other healthcare services; public understanding of health information; professional and patient communication; or the representation of diverse communities in health and public health media. Depending on the research question, the project may use interviews, focus groups, narrative inquiry, visual methods, digital storytelling, participatory media, documentary production or co-design. The student may work with patients, carers, health professionals, students, community organisations or members of the public to identify experiences and perspectives that are underrepresented in conventional research and communication. The project may also examine how media resources can be co-created with stakeholders and used to improve health education, professional practice, public engagement, service design or communication between patients and healthcare providers. Particular attention may be given to cultural diversity, accessibility, ethical representation and the responsible communication of sensitive health experiences. The broader aim is to understand how lived experience and media-based approaches can strengthen stakeholder participation, improve communication and contribute to more equitable and person-centred health and public health outcomes. This project would suit a student with a background in health professions education, public health, medical imaging, communication, media studies, sociology, psychology, anthropology, design, film and television, or a related discipline. Experience in qualitative research, interviewing, visual media or community engagement would be valuable.