Engaging with diverse audiences to raise awareness about childhood eczema: reflections from two community events

Abstract

Background Eczema is a common childhood condition, causing dry and itchy skin which can be difficult to manage. We have been undertaking eczema and food allergy research to address previously prioritised research questions. We obtained funding to trial novel approaches to reach diverse audiences to raise awareness of childhood eczema, research, and public involvement in research. Methods This paper reflects on two public engagement events held in collaboration with stakeholders in two settings of ethnic diversity in East Bristol, UK. We invited parents and children to attend the events by public display of posters. We created novel activities related to the research and involved artists to engage parents/carers and children about eczema and the research we are doing into its management. Results Attendance at the first event was lower than expected. Lessons learned were incorporated into the second event, to use a more structured approach and attract greater numbers of parents/carers from more diverse backgrounds. Creative approaches such as using artists at both events made the subject more accessible for diverse audiences, including children. Conclusion We successfully delivered two public engagement events. The success of the events has generated individual interest in PPI and enquiries about future events from neighbouring community groups. Reflections from the events have also been fed back to inform the research.

Comparison of lotions, creams, gels and ointments for the treatment of childhood eczema: the BEE RCT

“…More detail on both the events can be found in a subsequently published paper. 42 The third, 1-hour Zoom (Zoom Video Communications, San Jose, CA, USA), event was attended by 16 people, including student nurses, mothers and grandmothers of children with eczema, and a health visitor. Eight attendees returned online evaluation forms, with an overall score of 4 out of 5, and statements that the event was either 'useful' or 'very useful'.…”

Reflections from the ‘Hold the door open’ project: Inviting older adults across the UK to shape dissemination of health research findings

“…There are opportunities for PPI at every stage of the research process 9 . Current recommendations emphasise the importance of embedding PPI throughout research projects 10–12 . Yet, PPI activities usually involve people at the early stages of projects seeking feedback on topic guides or wording on questionnaires 2,13,14 .…”

“…9 Current recommendations emphasise the importance of embedding PPI throughout research projects. 10 , 11 , 12 Yet, PPI activities usually involve people at the early stages of projects seeking feedback on topic guides or wording on questionnaires. 2 , 13 , 14 While there are some examples of PPI in dissemination, 15 further developing the ways researchers share their findings beyond conventional academic outputs is needed.…”