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Session contents

What is research inclusion?
Why does research inclusion matter?
Steps to research inclusion
The role of public contributors in research inclusion
Group activity – designing an inclusive research project
Feedback and close��

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What is research inclusion?

"To improve health and care for everyone, research must include everyone. That's why we're committed to making research more inclusive, removing barriers, reaching underrepresented communities and ensuring our work reflects the diversity of the UK to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research.

We use 'research inclusion' to describe our mission of addressing inequalities related to various groups. In addition to the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, we focus on disparities linked to socioeconomic status, geographic location, and access to health and care. Considering this multifaceted approach is key to our goal of improving the nation's health and wealth through research. At NIHR, research inclusion means applying an inclusive lens throughout the research process."

Research Inclusion Strategy 2022-2027 | NIHR

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Why does research inclusion matter?

Research has the potential to tell us:

how the wider determinants of health (such as education, employment, housing) impact on the health of different communities

how we can improve policy and practice to reduce health inequalities.

However, we know that research is not currently serving those most in need. We need to think about how we design research that includes all communities and especially those most experiencing the most health inequalities.

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Steps to research inclusion

Who is most affected by this issue?
How can we engage with and recruit research participants from these communities?
What research methodology would be most appropriate for these communities?
What measures need to be put in place so that research participants can fully participate e.g. translation of materials, verbal consent?
How will you measure who has taken part in your research/ the communities you have reached?
How could your research findings have a positive impact for the communities involved? How will you share your findings in an accessible way?

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The role of public and community contributors in research inclusion

Public contributors play an essential role in identifying how research can be made more inclusive. This can include:

Making research more relevant and more likely to benefit the public.
Helping to define what is acceptable to those taking part in the research.
Making the language used in a research project more accessible.
Improving the experience of those participating in research.
Identifying ways to enable under-represented communities to take part in research (and to support successful recruitment).
Improving the communication of findings to those taking part in the research and the wider public.

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Group discussion – designing inclusive research

A housing officer is interested in understanding the experiences of individuals living in council owned properties and who can access funding to improve heating and insulation.

From monitoring data, the officer knows that 15% of those eligible to apply for the fund speak English as a second language, 45% have a disability or long-term condition and 30% are aged over 65.

Many families that are eligible for the funding are not applying and the housing officer would like to understand why.

What advice would you give the housing officer to ensure that research includes diverse perspectives and experiences from all communities?

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Questions and further support

Other resources you may find helpful:

NIHR RSS Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit - https://www.rssleicesterresources.org.uk/edi-toolkit

INCLUDE Roadmap aims to make trials more inclusive - NIHR Evidence