Improving Representation in Maternity Research: The REPRESENT Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Participatory Action Research qualitative study to improve representation in maternity research through co-production of a research delivery resource: The REPRESENT study
IRAS ID
328772
Contact name
Holly Lovell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 17 days
Research summary
In the United Kingdom women from a Black, Asian or mixed ethnicity background are more likely to die in pregnancy or lose their baby compared to White women and experience other pregnancy complications. Discrimination and structural racism contributes to these inequalities but research is needed to understand how and to explore potential additional causes. However, people from ethnic minority backgrounds are under-represented in research. This can mean the evidence care is based on may not apply to these groups.
There is guidance for those who design research to make it more inclusive, but little advice exists for staff recruiting to research designed by others. This study aims to co-produce a resource for those who recruit to research in maternity settings to improve participation from ethnic minority groups.
The REPRESENT study is funded by the National Institute of Health and Social Care Research. It will be undertaken in Leeds and Hackney, London from January 2024 to March 2026.
The researcher will work alongside women with lived experience throughout each stage of the study to make sure the study is guided by those it aims to benefit.Focus groups and interviews will explore what influences participation of women from ethnic minority groups in maternity research. Participants will include pregnant or previously pregnant women, research and clinical staff, and those who design studies. The findings will be analysed to identify key issues. These will be presented at a World Café (WC) attended by participants from the first stages for a series of round table discussions to explore solutions.
Findings from the WC will be used to co-produce a resource to be used in research delivery to improve the recruitment of ethnically diverse women. This will ensure findings of studies which aim to improve care can be applied to those who experience the poorest outcomes.
REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
24/IEC08/0015
Date of REC Opinion
12 Jun 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion