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Performing accountability in health research: a socio-spatial framework

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

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Type

Article

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Authors

Komporozos-Athanasiou, A 
Thompson, MPA 
Fotaki, M 

Abstract

The article explores how spaces aimed at improving accountability in health systems are socially produced. It addresses the implications of an initiative to promote patient involvement in government-funded research in the context of a large cancer research network in England. We employ a socio-spatial theoretical framework inspired by insights from Henri Lefebvre and Judith Butler to examine how professional researchers, doctors and patients understand and perform accountability in an empirical context. Our data reveals fundamental tensions between formally-required and routinely-enacted dimensions of accountability as these are experienced by patients. Consequently, our analysis argues for a need to augment abstract, professionalised discourse about accountability in health services by acknowledging embodied spaces of representation, in which patients themselves can contribute to making participatory accountability a reality. We suggest that such a shift will provide a more rounded appraisal of patient experiences within health research, and health systems more widely.

Description

Keywords

35 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services, 3507 Strategy, Management and Organisational Behaviour, Cancer, Health Services, Clinical Research, 3 Good Health and Well Being

Journal Title

Human Relations

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0018-7267
1741-282X

Volume Title

71

Publisher

SAGE