Methodological reflections on the recruitment and engagement of people for cancer screening research in Wales
Juping Yu
A * , Joyce Kenkre A , Sarah Wallace A , Susan Thomas A B and Helen Jessop C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Wales CF37 1DL, UK.
B Primary Care Cluster, Newport West, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Newport, Wales NP11 6BJ, UK.
C Screening Engagement Team, Public Health Wales, Tyndall Street, Cardiff, Wales CF10 4BZ, UK.
* Correspondence to: juping.yu@southwales.ac.uk
Australian Journal of Primary Health 29(2) 148-154 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY22259
Submitted: 13 July 2022 Accepted: 9 February 2023 Published: 6 March 2023
© 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of La Trobe University
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.
Keywords: cancer screening, collaboration, engagement, inclusion, primary care, public health, recruitment, Wales.
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