ACCESS D v 1.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Advancing community collaboration and engagement strategies in dementia
IRAS ID
361074
Contact name
Christopher Kipps
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Dementia affects nearly one million people in the UK. Many people want to help research but face barriers - uncertainty about what research involves, worry or stigma, and travel to hospital appointments. These barriers are greater for people in lower-income areas, some ethnic minority communities, and people with lower health literacy.
ACCESS D is a small feasibility study co-designed with people affected by memory problems. Research paramedics from South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) will host friendly, local outreach events (for example, in community centres or places of worship). At these events, people can:
1. Read a short information sheet and, if they wish, give consent;
2. Complete a brief questionnaire about their experience and views; and
3. Optionally choose and take part in one or more low-burden research activities often used in dementia studies: a digital memory and thinking task, a fingerprick blood sample (at events only), and/or a short interview or focus group about their experience.
These activities are research-only, not diagnostic, and no individual results are given. Taking part is voluntary; people are welcome to attend, ask questions and take away NHS information about dementia and memory problems without doing any research activities.
The study is open to adults aged 50-90 with memory concerns, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia who have capacity to consent. Activities (except the fingerprick sample) can be done at an event or remotely. Support is available at events from research paramedics and remotely from the research team.
The main question is whether this community-first, supported model is feasible, acceptable and able to reach underserved groups. Findings will inform a larger evaluation and practical guidance to make dementia research more inclusive and efficient.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SW/0121
Date of REC Opinion
9 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion