MS Participatory Research
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Participatory Research into Minoritised Patient Experiences of MS Care
IRAS ID
327170
Contact name
Alison/A Thomson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
This study is looking at the experiences of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) from minority ethnic groups in the UK. MS is a chronic illness that affects more than 130,000 people in the UK.
To make sure that the research is done in a way that respects cultural differences, the researchers will use a participatory research approach. We will work with co-researchers, people with MS from these ethnic backgrounds, to design the study procedures, collect and analyse data. We anticipate using interviews and focus groups to collect data on the experiences of care.
The study will involve 4 co-researchers, 40 patient participants and 10 staff participants.
The study will recruit participants with MS from Black British and South Asian ethnic groups living in East London (Tower Hamlets, Newham, Hackney), South-East London (Lambeth, Southwark, Bromley, Lewishan, Bexley, Greenwich), Bradford (City Centre and surrounding areas), and Leeds (and surrounding areas).
Co-design workshops will then be held to create new service proposals to help people overcome the barriers and challenges they have identified. Overall, the study aims to provide important insights into the experiences of people with MS from minority ethnic groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results will help to reduce health inequities and improve healthcare delivery for this group.
The study will last 24 months.
REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/NE/0124
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jul 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion