Facilitators |
• Model for multi-level involvement providing structure for flexible approach which adapted to circumstances during the study |
• ‘Inreach’ and ‘outreach’ involvement opportunities provided opportunities to suit different service users’ interest and experience |
• Research team support enabled implementation of model |
• Service user interest and commitment supported involvement across the study |
• Site-based researchers facilitated and supported service user involvement |
• Financial resources were available to cover involvement costs |
Barriers |
• Service users’ health and existing commitments limited their availability |
• Technical, scientific and timetable requirements in undertaking and delivering research tempered service users’ motivation |
• Continuity of involvement due to time between meetings and fluctuating research pace across research stages hindered ability to sustain involvement |
• Changes in site researchers and time to recruit qualified replacements reduced resources to support service user involvement leading to involvement gaps at some levels and sites |
• Research confidence, skills and competing research duties |