Co-Production and Implementation of 'Count Me In': A Bottom-Up Approach to Inclusive Research and Participation in a...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE)

Background:

• Research-active National Health Service (NHS) services improve care quality and outcomes.
• Traditional 'opt-in' recruitment methods often exclude diverse populations.
• The 'Count Me In' (CMI) system uses an 'opt-out' model to normalize research participation and promote inclusivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt and implement the CMI system using a bottom-up approach at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.
• To ensure meaningful engagement with service users, carers, and communities in the design and implementation of CMI.
• To promote inclusive and equitable research recruitment within the NHS.

Main Methods:

• Co-production of the CMI system through workshops and consultations with over 300 participants, including service users, carers, and NHS staff.
• Listening exercises to understand stakeholder concerns and co-designing campaign materials.
• Formation of a Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Advisory Group for ongoing guidance and ethical oversight.

Main Results:

• Stakeholder support for the 'opt-out' approach, recognizing its potential for inclusivity.
• Identification of key priorities such as mental health and social isolation.
• Development of co-produced, culturally sensitive materials addressing privacy, stigma, and accessibility concerns, fostering trust.

Conclusions:

• The CMI system is an acceptable and scalable model for inclusive research recruitment.
• Embedding research into routine care through CMI promotes equity and accessibility.
• The bottom-up, co-produced approach tailored the system to local needs, enhancing inclusivity and impact.