The Dignity Project Framework: An extreme citizen science framework in occupational therapy and rehabilitation research.
Kelsey Chapman, Angel Dixon, Kevin Cocks and 2 others
PMID 36369985WHAT IT FOUND
A new framework guides dignified partnership with citizens with disability in research and practice.
It replaces tokenistic consultation with shared power, requiring co-investigator roles, accessible methods, transparent governance, and iterative reflection to ensure lived experience drives outcomes.
Key findings
01The framework establishes five phases for dignified extreme citizen science: vision, uncover, discuss, critical reflection, and change.
02Practitioners can apply these principles to clinical care by building shared context, working flexibly, using plain language, and reflecting on personal biases to increase patient dignity.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The framework was developed by a small group of eight people in one region of Australia, so it may not reflect the diversity of global disability experiences. Only three members had lived experience of disability, which the authors admit does not represent the full range of impairment and intersectionality. The framework has not yet been tested for feasibility or implementation in actual clinical or research settings. It relies on qualitative consensus and expert opinion rather than empirical evidence of improved patient outcomes.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. Funding was provided by the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist and the Motor Accident Insurance Commission.
The easy way to misread this
Do not treat this framework as evidence that a specific clinical intervention improves patient outcomes. It is a consensus-based guide for ethical partnership and process, not a tested method for efficacy.