EQUATE V1

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Barriers and facilitators to EQUitable pArticipation and engagement in research using digiTal mEthods: A qualitative exploration with the public, patients, and staff

• IRAS ID

  328356

• Contact name

  Cherish Boxall

• Contact email

  c.e.m.boxall@soton.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Southampton

• Duration of Study in the UK

  3 years, 9 months, 31 days

• Research summary

  Aim
  To explore the potential effect of research that uses digital methods on participation and engagement in different population groups.

  Background
  Digital methods (hereby referred to as digital) use technology (such as mobile applications) to allow participants to take part in research from their homes. However, it is well known that some groups are under-represented in research, and it is these same groups that are most at risk of not being able to fully take part in research that uses digital.
  If digital is a barrier to trial participation in different groups, then research findings will not represent their needs and they may suffer poorer health outcomes.
  The purpose of this study is to understand what can be done to make it easier for those wanting to use it and to explore solutions to improve digital for different groups wanting to take part in the research.

  Digital methods include:
  Communicating with the research team over video call or text
  Taking and sending videos or pictures
  Downloading a smartphone app and entering information

  Design and methods
  The study will be divided into three work packages. In summary, I will work with research participants and public members to discuss and observe their views and behaviour towards common digital technology used in research. Findings from the study will be used in group discussions with staff to understand if and how digital technology could be used to make it easier for the diversity of the public to participate in research.

  The PPI group will input on the purpose, impact, and design of this study and findings will be shared across research communities, software developers and the public.

• REC name

  London - South East Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  23/PR/0625

• Date of REC Opinion

  20 Jun 2023

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion