Project 805 | Opening the Front Door to Inclusive Research Conversations in Primary Care

Many people first raise questions about their health in primary care, often during short appointments with their GP or other primary care staff. These conversations may include questions about changes they have noticed and whether there is information, support or research they could take part in. Even when concerns are mild, people may feel uncertain and want clear explanations and reassurance.
At the same time, much primary care research is now shared and delivered through digital methods such as online platforms, smartphone apps or wearable devices. These approaches align with NHS priorities to improve access, efficiency and quality of care and work well for many people. However, when information about research is mainly shared digitally, some people are excluded because they lack access to digital tools, are less confident using them, or face language or accessibility barriers. This can make it harder for people to understand research opportunities during routine primary care conversations.
This project opens the front door to inclusive involvement, engagement and sharing of learning in primary care research for people who are often under-served or digitally excluded. It focuses on enabling clear, inclusive conversations about research in primary care when digital routes are not suitable. Changes in smell or sleep are used as practical examples, but the tools can be used across different types of primary care research.

Aims of the activity are to:
-Understand how people experience exclusion from digital primary care research and what support feels fair when digital access is limited
– Involve people who are often left out of research involvement in deciding how research is explained in routine primary care
– Co-produce simple, non-digital tools that enable five-minute research conversations in primary care practice – Support primary care teams to explain research and support options clearly, calmly, and inclusively.