123 How do we ensure the inclusion of fathers in research? Finding solutions through co-design. (23rd February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harniess, Phillip; Stewart, Alex; Bichard, Elizabeth; Evans, James; Simcock, Ian; Katchburian, Lesley; Kerr-Elliott, Tara; Sipanoun, Pippa
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 108(2023)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A45
• Page End: A46
• Publication Date: 2023-02-23
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-gosh.123
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Under representation of fathers in child health research is a well-established issue. This limits our understanding of fathers' unique perspectives of roles they perform within the family relating to their child's development. As a group of clinical academic nurses and allied health professionals within ORCHID (Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Children's Health, Illness and Disability), we identified this challenge in our research. Therefore, we present co-designed recommendations for involving fathers in child health research, using our experience and collaboratively generated solutions. Method: An online participatory workshop involving six active researchers was undertaken to produce collaborative solutions to prioritised problems. Results: Three problems were prioritised for solution-focused idea generation: Fathers feel less knowledgeable and confident about their child's health status, so they perceive their involvement is less valuable relative to their partners' Traditional paternal roles, including fathers' working arrangements, affect their availability for involvement Fathers feel less comfortable discussing emotive topics surrounding their child's health Multiple solutions were generated: Those with highest consensus focused on: Framing research information to be inclusive of fathers Using advertising and recruitment strategies that specifically target fathers Co-production of research with fathers; cost in time and training for fathers with lived experience to support recruitment and data collection Creating a campaign to champion fathers' involvement in research Flexible recruitment and data collection methods that meet fathers' preferences and needs, using public and patient involvement advice Ensuring alternative data collection options are offered, which account for the challenge some fathers may have in discussing emotive topics e.g., writing responses, use of asynchronous anonymised messaging boards, focus groups or 1-1 interviews and using preferred locations Conclusion: This rapid co-design project has drawn upon clinical academics' experience to generate recommendations for researchers seeking to involve fathers. This will enable a more inclusive approach for this group.