You should aim to collect qualitative data, quantitative data or observational data or a combination of these.
With these field-work activities in the community your personal safety is paramount. Use personal discretion in terms of risk assessment and adopt strategies that maintain safety, for example:
Collecting data in pairs
Collecting data during daylight hours
Choosing appropriate locations to approach residents
Choosing an appropriate time to approach residents/ discussing a time beforehand that you can conduct the interview
Planning ahead and carrying necessary equipment i.e. notepad and pen to allow for efficiency
Carrying your mobile devices with you in case of any emergencies
a) Qualitative data: Interviews with local informants
You will need to interview at least one member of your community to inform your project. This could include your household members, neighbours, health and social care staff, local shop owners, teachers, taxi drivers, security guards, hairdressers, street cleaners etc.
Interviews can be conducted face to face, by telephone or video. We appreciate it may be difficult to approach members of your community to interview, however we encourage you to try do this as it will add a lot of richness and depth to your understanding of the health and social care needs of that area.
Obtaining consent for interviews and examples of questions.
b) Quantitative data:
For your local health data, see https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/health-profiles. You should compare the data for your borough to the data for England and examine the similarities and differences. Access other online data resources for your locality (e.g. online council ward profiles, local prescribing data).
c) Observational data:
Walk in the area or use google map/ street view to explore and note down relevant local features. This could include different services relating to health and social care, types of local shops and food outlets, leisure facilities, green spaces, housing, road and public transport networks.
You may use photos, drawings or maps can help illustrate your observations.