Project Overview

Peer-based programs have demonstrated efficacy in addressing various health and social issues by leveraging the shared experiences and mutual support within specific communities. These programs are particularly effective for groups, where traditional service delivery models may fail to address unique cultural and contextual needs. Research has shown that peer-based and community-controlled services significantly improve health outcomes among these populations. For example, in the context of HIV prevention and care, peer-led interventions have resulted in higher rates of testing, increased adherence to treatment, and reduced associated stigma. In the context of mental health, peer support networks have been shown to enhance recovery and reduce hospital readmissions. Likewise, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) are highly effective because they provide culturally safe, community-driven, and holistic care that addresses the unique needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

This research builds on a program of work by CERIPH in partnership with community-controlled organisations and peer-based services in Western Australia across four distinct streams: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQA+ individuals, migrants from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds, and young people. The project will work with partner agencies to co-design evaluation frameworks for peer-based programs that reflect their specific contexts and needs. 

This research will employ a mixed-methods approach, structured into three distinct phases: co-design, pilot implementation, and evaluation. In the co-design phase, participatory action research (PAR) will be utilised to engage community members, program participants, and stakeholders in a series of workshops. These workshops will employ focus group discussions and nominal group technique to collaboratively develop bespoke evaluation frameworks. In the pilot implementation phase, the developed frameworks will be applied in selected peer-based programs across the four streams. Training sessions using experiential learning techniques will be provided to program staff and community members. Data collection methods will include pre- and post-intervention surveys, structured interviews, and observational field notes to assess the frameworks' applicability and effectiveness. In the evaluation phase, both quantitative and qualitative data will be analysed. The refined frameworks will then undergo further validation through member checking and iterative feedback loops. Capacity-building activities will be conducted to ensure sustainability, including workshops and training sessions aimed at enhancing the evaluation skills of community members and program staff.

Aims

To co-design and pilot culturally sensitive and contextually relevant evaluation frameworks for peer-based programs capable of capturing unique program outcomes and impacts.

Objectives

1. Review best practice evaluation strategies for peer-led and peer-based programs. 
2. Co-design tailored evaluation frameworks across each stream with community members and stakeholders. 
3. Pilot the developed frameworks in existing peer-based programs across the four streams to assess their effectiveness and feasibility. 
4. Establish mechanisms for sustainability and continuous improvement of the frameworks.

Significance 

This project addresses the gap in culturally and contextually appropriate evaluation frameworks for peer-based programs by expanding on the team’s previous work in this area. By involving the communities and services in the co-design process, the project ensures that the evaluation frameworks are not only theoretically sound but also practically applicable and meaningful to those they are intended to serve. The findings will contribute to the broader field of public health by providing evidence-based approaches to evaluating and improving peer-based programs, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness and sustainability. While peer-based programs can face significant resourcing challenges, robust evaluation processes are essential for demonstrating their impact and ensuring sustainability. By co-designing culturally sensitive and contextually relevant evaluation frameworks, this project aims to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of peer-based programs. The integration of insights from the W3 Project and My-Peer Evaluation Toolkit will further strengthen these evaluation frameworks, ultimately contributing to improved health and wellbeing outcomes for underserved communities.

This project will be based in the Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health (CERIPH), within Curtin’s School of Population Health (SoPH). The supervisory team brings extensive experience in community-based research, co-design methodologies, public health, and program evaluation. Existing partnerships with community organisations and service providers will facilitate the co-design and implementation phases of the project. This PhD will build on previous work conducted by the supervisory team and contribute to ongoing research efforts in the area of peer-based program evaluation and co-design of public heath programs.
 

An internship may be available for this project. The scholar will have the opportunity to work closely with local non-government organisations such as WAAC, Health Consumers Council, Aboriginal Health Council of WA, Youth Affairs Council of WA, Living Proud, and Multicultural Futures, with which the team has existing relationships. 

• Future Students

• Faculty of Health Sciences

• Higher Degree by Research

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen
• Permanent Humanitarian Visa
• International Student

• Merit Based

The annual scholarship package, covering both stipend and tuition fees, amounts to approximately $70,000 per year.

In 2024, the RTP stipend scholarship offers $35,000 per annum for a duration of up to three years. Exceptional progress and adherence to timelines may qualify students for a six-month completion scholarship.

Selection for these scholarships involves a competitive process, with shortlisted applicants notified of outcomes by November 2024.

1

All applicable HDR courses.

• Background in public health, health promotion, or social/behavioural sciences. 
• Experience or interest in community-based participatory research. 
• Strong project management and organisational skills. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Familiarity with mixed methods research approaches.

 

Please send your CV, academic transcripts and brief rationale why you want to join this research project via the HDR Expression of Interest form to the project lead researcher, listed below. 

You must be enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research Course at Curtin University by March 2025.

Project Lead: Dr Jonathan Hallett