Co‐Production and Implementation of 'Count Me In': A Bottom‐Up Approach to Inclusive Research and Participation in a National Health Service in England.

Background: Research‐active National Health Service (NHS) services are linked to better care quality and health outcomes. However, traditional research participant recruitment methods, such as 'opt‐in' strategies, often face challenges in reaching diverse populations. The 'Count Me In' (CMI) system...

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Published in:Health Expectations Vol. 28; no. 3; pp. 1 - 13
Main Authors: Bifarin, Oladayo, Miah, Jahanara, Harvey, Michelle, Faragher, Gail, Thai, Jade, Dewar, Dennis, Garden, Jenny, Nicholson, Lindsey, Wilson, Nicola, Husain, Nusrat, Joyce, Dan W.
Format: pictorial research tables/charts Journal Article
Published: Wiley-Blackwell Jun2025
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
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        atl: Co‐Production and Implementation of 'Count Me In': A Bottom‐Up Approach to Inclusive Research and Participation in a National Health Service in England.
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          Bifarin, Oladayo
          Miah, Jahanara
          Harvey, Michelle
          Faragher, Gail
          Thai, Jade
          Dewar, Dennis
          Garden, Jenny
          Nicholson, Lindsey
          Wilson, Nicola
          Husain, Nusrat
          Joyce, Dan W.
        affil: Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, Mental Health Research for Innovation Centre, NHS Informatics Merseyside, Liverpool, UK
      sug:
        subj:
          Patient Participation Psychosocial Factors
          Research Subject Recruitment Methods
          Health Services Accessibility
          National Health Programs
          Program Implementation
          Models, Theoretical
          Human
          Male
          Female
          England
          Funding Source
          Adaptation, Psychological
          Community Role
          Research Subjects Psychosocial Factors
          Communication
          Cultural Sensitivity
          Mental Health
          Social Isolation
          Stigma
          Trust
          Confidence
          Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
          Research, Mental Health
          Conceptual Framework
          Consent (Research)
          Readability
          Privacy and Confidentiality
          Data Security
          Male
          Female
      ab: Background: Research‐active National Health Service (NHS) services are linked to better care quality and health outcomes. However, traditional research participant recruitment methods, such as 'opt‐in' strategies, often face challenges in reaching diverse populations. The 'Count Me In' (CMI) system was introduced to address these barriers through an 'opt‐out' model, aiming to normalise research participation and promote inclusivity. At Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, a bottom‐up approach was employed to adapt CMI, ensuring meaningful engagement with service users, carers and communities in its design and implementation. Methods: CMI was co‐produced with stakeholders through a series of workshops, discussion groups and consultations with over 300 participants, including service users, carers and NHS staff. Key activities included listening exercises to understand concerns, co‐designing campaign materials and forming a Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Advisory Group. The group provided ongoing guidance to ensure that the system aligned with the needs of underserved communities and upheld ethical and cultural sensitivity. Findings: Stakeholders widely supported the 'opt‐out' approach, recognising its potential to improve research inclusivity. Participants highlighted the importance of clear communication, cultural sensitivity and robust data protection measures. Specific research priorities, such as mental health and social isolation, were identified. Co‐produced materials, including plain‐language guides and culturally appropriate visuals, addressed concerns about privacy, stigma and accessibility, fostering trust and confidence in the system. Conclusion: The CMI system is an acceptable and scalable model for inclusive research recruitment, embedding research into routine care. The bottom‐up approach ensured the system was tailored to local needs, promoting equity and accessibility. Patient and Public Contribution: A partnership approach working with PPIE leads at the Mental Health Research for Innovation Centre (M‐RIC) ensured that service users, carers and community members shaped the CMI system through extensive co‐production activities. The development of the system, therefore, reflected their lived experiences and priorities, thereby enhancing its inclusivity and impact.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        pictorial
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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