Do I have to participate? Can I change my mind later?
You do not have to participate in the research, participation is voluntary. In the unlikely event that you feel uncomfortable during the group you may leave at any time or choose to take a break. The facilitators will be available after the group to discuss any concerns. You can also contact us after the event via events@researchinpractice.org.uk email if you would prefer. You are free to withdraw from the study itself up to two weeks after the focus group has taken place. You can do this by contacting events@researchinpractice.org.uk. If you withdraw from the study your verbal or chat responses will not be used in the final analysis. Additionally, any responses given by other participants which mention your contribution will also be deleted. After two weeks it will not be possible to withdraw the data as analysis will have started and the data will have been anonymised. Information added to Miro is anonymous and so we cannot remove those.
Confidentiality
Focus groups involve gathering information from multiple participants. We ask those attending to respect Chatham House Rules, so that information disclosed during a meeting may be reported by those present, but the source of that information may not be explicitly or implicitly identified. This will be explained at the start of the session. If any confidential information arises during the focus group (which could identify, or potentially identify, particular families anyone is working with, students or colleagues) these will be deleted before transcription takes place. If identifying information is disclosed during the group, participants will be reminded of the confidentiality clause. During the focus group, you will be invited to share your own practice experiences and views. It is important to be sensitive and respectful towards other participants’ views. As stated above, confidentiality will be maintained as far as possible. However, should information be obtained during the focus group indicating either serious risk to the participant or service users, or breaches of professional regulations, this information would need to be passed on. In the unlikely event that this should occur, the decision to pass on information would be discussed with you where possible.
How will my contribution be used?
A video recording of the session will be transcribed (written up as a Word document) and comments from the chat and Miroboards will be downloaded. Any identifying details will be removed or changed. The data will be written up into reports, presentations and other academic publications. No data will be used that allows participants to be identified. The research team will provide a report on the findings to NIHR. In this report, we will alter, remove and/or anonymise any responses which could reveal your identity, or the identity of other professionals or service users.
How will data be stored?
All data will be stored in accordance with the principles of the GDPR 2018 and in line with UEA Privacy Policy. Video files will be transferred by Research in Practice to UEA using secure method. GDPR-compliant automated transcription software will be used to convert video files into a word document. Video files will be destroyed after transcription has taken place and analysis has been completed. The transcribed files and chat files will be anonymised and contain no personal or identifying details. Any documents which link participants to their data will be destroyed at the end of the project by UEA and Research in Practice.