Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Perspect Public Health. 2022 Jul;142(4):224-230. doi: 10.1177/17579139221110015. Epub 2022 Jun 29.
Including parents and other stakeholders in the development of interventions to address the sensitive public health issues such as childhood obesity, through public involvement is critical. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has created a challenge for public involvement and engagement activities (PICE). The aim of this paper is to describe the process and challenges of setting up, maintaining, evaluating, and recording impact of three public and stakeholder groups via remote methods in the context of the MapMe2 study during the Covid-19 pandemic. Parental reaction to result letters received as part of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) informing parents of their child's overweight status is often one of hostility or disbelief. As a result, parents often do not act on these letters to address child overweight. The MapMe2 study is working in collaboration with the NCMP and local authorities, building on previous work (MapMe) and aims to support parents of primary school-aged children to recognise and maintain a healthy weight in their child. The existing MapMe Intervention includes an enhanced NCMP child weight result letter, supplemented with Body Image Scales (BIS), and an intervention website with material to support healthy eating, physical activity, and signposting supporting information. The intervention was to be refined and the evaluation informed with PICE input.
Covid-19 restrictions meant that planned face-to-face PICE methods had to be altered with all recruitment, all correspondence, and activities taking place remotely. A Parent Involvement Panel (PIP), a child panel, and an expert panel were established. Several adaptations were made to accommodate a new way of involving the public in research.
RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Working remotely created many challenges and was a learning experience for all involved. However, an active group was successfully established. Using continuous assessment and evaluation methods, we were able to demonstrate successful involvement and engagement in the refinement of the MapMe2 study. Through the sharing of PICE methods practice, this paper adds to the literature, the value of partnership working.
通过公众参与，让家长和其他利益相关者参与到解决儿童肥胖等敏感公共卫生问题的干预措施的制定中至关重要。然而，Covid-19 大流行给公众参与和参与活动（PICE）带来了挑战。本文旨在描述在 Covid-19 大流行期间，通过远程方式为 MapMe2 研究中的三个公众和利益相关者群体设置、维护、评估和记录影响的过程和挑战。作为国家儿童测量计划（NCMP）的一部分，家长收到告知其孩子超重状况的结果信后，通常会对此反应敌对或怀疑。因此，家长通常不会对这些信件采取行动来解决儿童超重问题。MapMe2 研究正在与 NCMP 和地方当局合作，建立在前一项研究（MapMe）的基础上，旨在支持小学年龄段儿童的家长认识和保持孩子的健康体重。现有的 MapMe 干预措施包括增强版的 NCMP 儿童体重结果信，辅以身体形象量表（BIS），以及一个干预网站，提供支持健康饮食、体育活动和提供支持信息的资源。该干预措施将进行改进，并根据 PICE 的投入进行评估。
Covid-19 限制意味着必须改变计划中的面对面 PICE 方法，所有的招募、所有的信件往来和活动都需要远程进行。成立了一个家长参与小组（PIP）、一个儿童小组和一个专家小组。为适应新的公众参与研究方式，进行了多项调整。
结果/结论：远程工作带来了许多挑战，对所有参与者来说都是一次学习经历。然而，成功地建立了一个活跃的群体。通过使用持续的评估和评价方法，我们能够证明在 MapMe2 研究的改进中成功地参与和参与。通过分享 PICE 方法实践，本文为文献增添了合作工作的价值。
