CLUSTER study

The CLUSTER study is exploring the best way to invite people to take part in a type of clinical trial, known as a ‘cluster randomised trial’, with a focus on cluster randomised trials involving babies and children.

There are lots of cluster randomised trials taking place across the world and most guidance on recruitment and consent processes have been derived from ‘expert’ professional opinion, without input from patients and the public.

Take part

We would like to invite a mixture of adults and young people from the following groups to take part in an online or face-to-face interview or focus group, which will take around one hour:

• Young people aged 14-18 years old. *
• Parents who have a child under 18 years old. *
• Young people who are members of a Young People’s Advisory Group. *
• Patient and public involvement (PPI) members with experience of cluster randomised trials in children.

*You do not need to have previous experience with cluster randomised trials. We will explain what they are about and have an animation to show you.

If you choose to take part, the interview or focus group will take place at a time and in a place that is most convenient to you.

You will receive a £30 shopping voucher to thank you for your time.

What's involved

During the interview or focus group we will explain more about cluster randomised trials and ask for your thoughts on how researchers should invite people to take part in cluster randomised trials in the future. We are particularly interested in your views on trials that involve babies, children and young people.

What happens next

We will use the findings of the CLUSTER study to develop recommendations and guidance for how cluster randomised controlled trials involving babies and children should be conducted in the future.

If you have any questions or are interested in taking part, then please contact cluster@liverpool.ac.uk