So you’d like to hold a focus group with consumers? Or maybe you’ve got a great co-design project idea? But where do you start? How do you do all the things? What are actually all the ins and outs of engaging consumers in frailty research projects? Senior Research Fellow Dr. Adrienne Young and AFN Consumer Engagement Coordinator Peta Dampney will guide you through the process of getting started and the logistics of involving consumers. There will be practical learnings and skill development applicable to all researchers and/or health practitioners whether you are embarking upon your first consumer engagement project or your 100th!
Learn more about the speakers
Peta is the Consumer Engagement Coordinator for the Australian Frailty Network. She has a background in professional theatre and as a former high school teacher. Peta brings to the AFN lots of experience working with those who have a lived/living experience of suicide, mental illness, sexual and family violence and having delivered mental wellbeing and suicide prevention training in the community and in workplaces. Since joining the AFN team in June 2024, Peta has nearly tripled the membership of the AFN Consumer Reference Group and has created working partnerships with other organisations and services
Adrienne is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian (AdvAPD) with a career spanning clinical practice, research, and education. She holds roles as Research Coordinator for Nutrition and Dietetics at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and Senior Research Fellow at Australian Frailty Network at the University of Queensland’s Centre for Health Services Research. Adrienne’s research focuses on enhancing nutrition care in Australian hospitals to prevent complications and optimise outcomes, particularly for older inpatients. Recognised with prestigious awards, including the Barbara Chester Memorial Award, she is a leader in implementation science and consumer engagement. Adrienne has supervised numerous research students and is dedicated to advancing clinician-scientist career pathways.
