Methodological reflections on the recruitment and engagement of people for cancer screening research in Wales

Abstract

Cancer is a major threat to public health and the second leading cause of death globally. Population-based cancer screening is an effective way to improve the early detection of a cancer and reduce mortality. Factors associated with participation in cancer screening have been increasingly explored in research. The challenges to undertaking such research are evident, but there is little discussion about how to address such challenges. This article discusses methodological issues associated with the recruitment and engagement of participants in research, drawing upon our experience of undertaking research exploring the support needs of people residing in Newport West, Wales, to participate in breast, bowel, and cervical screening programs. Four key areas were addressed: sampling issues, language barriers, IT issues, and time demand for participation. The paper highlights the importance of ongoing community engagement, the provision of appropriate study materials, and the adaption to different data collection modes to meet participants’ needs to participate in research, thus enabling people who are usually excluded from research to have a voice and make a significant contribution to research.

Equity in primary health care provision: more than 50 years of the inverse care law

“…Reath et al (2023) outline the need for appropriate resourcing of PHC and general practice University departments so that they can lead research and teaching on equity to inspire future primary care workforce. Welsh colleagues outline practical solutions to improving research engagement with more disadvantaged communities to ensure their needs are represented in primary care research (Yu et al 2023). These examples demonstrate the key role that PHC can play in realising the Inverse Care Law in our communities.…”