In recent years we have seen the pervasive effects of health inequalities and inequities highlighted in the MBRRACE-UK reports. There has been discussion since then about ‘hard to reach groups’ and how we ensure all voices are shaping research and clinical practice. However, Dr Natalie Darko, an Associate Professor of Health Inequalities offers the perspective that actually it is more a case of research being incredibly difficult to access for a number of communities rather than those groups being hard to reach.
This is an incredibly pertinent consideration and something research teams really need reflect on when in the initial stages of designing research. We have seen a real emphasis on co-production and PPI informing projects but to truly address health disparities, it is critical to ensure underrepresented groups are included and their voices are shaping future work.
I recently met up with Victoria Walsh, chair of Wirral Maternity Voices Partnership to discuss some of the OptiBreech Project’s upcoming work and develop an inclusive PPIE strategy. We reflected on how best to be able to engage with a number of communities who are often excluded to increase their participation. Considerations such as interpreters (in multiple languages and British Sign Language) for events (both online and in person) and translation of all participant-facing materials to address language barriers. Accessibility should be considered in terms of the physical, psychological, technological, and financial barriers to participation. Additionally, mistrust in services is often a key barrier for underrepresented groups being excluded from research and so therefore consideration of our position and power must also be central to our approach when engaging with these communities.
We are proud that in our pilot trial, 59% of participants came from non-British backgrounds and 29% were from black or brown populations. But we know there is always more to do to ensure everyone can participate in research. We look forward to continuing to work with Wirral MVP during the course of this year to be able to remove even more barriers to maintain the diversity of participation in OptiBreech research.
Siân Davies – OptiBreech Research Assistant and PPI Lead
A photograph of my not so little breech baby!
Useful References
Coe D, Bigirumurame T, Burgess M et al. Enablers and barriers to engaging under-served groups in research: Survey of the United Kingdom research professional’s views [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]. NIHR Open Res 2023, 3:37 (https://doi.org/10.3310/nihropenres.13434.1)
OptiBreech 