Researcher in Focus: Dr Michelle Norris, University of Limerick

Breast Cancer: Engineering your way to being more physically active

Research Team:

• Dr. Michelle Norris (ALECS Research Fellow, Lero – the Irish Software Research Centre, University of Limerick)
• Prof. Ita Richardson (Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems, University of Limerick)
• Dr. Pauline Meskell (Senior Lecturer in the Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Limerick)
• Yvonne Davis (Visual Arts Curator, University of Limerick)
• Vidette Ryan Molyneaux (Limerick Dragons Member)
• Karen McAree (Limerick Dragons Member)

Dr. Michelle Norris – Lero, the Irish Software Research Centre Research Fellow, University of Limerick (Irish Cancer Society Engagement Award CREA19NOR Lead Investigator):

"Research can often be viewed as institutionalised, conducted by academics, within Universities and laboratories with little impact on, or guidance by, the local community. Therefore, when the chance to apply for an Irish Cancer Society Research Engagement Award came up we grabbed it with both hands, as we saw it as a prime opportunity to reach out and engage with breast cancer patients and survivors within the community. We wanted to do something unique, and identified Photovoice – where photography is used to investigate views and experiences – as a creative method that could be utilised to investigate the role which technology can play in increasing the physical activity levels of breast cancer patients and survivors. 

"From day one, we wanted breast cancer stakeholders to help develop the project and have their say, and therefore recruited two Limerick Dragons (Dragon paddling, walking and aquatic club for breast cancer survivors, supporters and friends) members to the research team, Vidette Ryan Molyneaux and Karen McAree. Both Vidette and Karen provided invaluable input throughout the engagement award, and gave their input as to when we should hold our workshops, what the workshops should contain and what information the attendees required. Having them on the Research Team really showed us the importance of Public and Patient Involvement (PPI). 

"The workshops were then set-up to occur two weeks apart, where Workshop 1 provided 18 attendees (breast cancer patients and survivors) with current research in the area, an explanation of what Photovoice was, and got attendees active by taking part in a Nordic Walking class, kindly led by the fantastic Patricia Sutton (qualified Nordic Walking Instructor and Lymphoedema Therapist). It was great to see attendees engage with the research and the Nordic Walking, laughing and chatting their way around the halls of Lero! Attendees were then asked to take 10 photos across the following two-week period, on the topics breast cancer, exercise and technology, and what these topics meant to them. During Workshop 2 attendees came together and identified themes which occurred within all their photos, and developed 8 posters, with themes such as “Our Lifelines” and “There’s an App for that!”. The workshops were extremely successfully, and we saw attendees completely embrace the research presented to them, embrace discussion around the photos before them and open up on their thoughts around their breast cancer journey and how technology could play a part. 

"We were delighted to present the workshop posters at this year’s International Women’s Day Conference in the University of Limerick on March 6th. This was a sold-out event with academic, industry and public attendees, and allowed the Engagement Award to have further impact. Many of the workshop attendees were delighted to see the fruits of their labours over the previous month. 

"Overall, I believe using Photovoice to engage with breast cancer patients and survivors, and the Irish Cancer Society Engagement Award as a whole, were both incredibly successful. The workshops were a powerful vehicle to connect attendees with one another, and also with research around breast cancer, exercise and technology. Furthermore, all workshop attendees are willing to engage in future research within the area, which as a researcher provides me with an invaluable wealth of knowledge and opinions that can help me develop and undertake future impactful research."