Table 2 Key recommendations from researchers and patient contributors about the novel approach (TATs and follow-up discussion) for patient involvement in questionnaire design
From: Patient involvement in questionnaire design: tackling response error and burden
| Key Recommendations | Description |
|---|---|
| Clear TAT instructions |
• Ask contributors to continuously say what is going through their minds with limited pauses. • Avoid asking for evaluation (e.g. “tell me what you think about…”). • Always ask if contributors have any questions about the TAT procedure. |
| Practice TAT |
• Practice TATs with another questionnaire (similar structure, different topic). • Jointly reflect on the practice exercise with the contributor. • Aim for minimal researcher interruptions during the practice task. |
| Multiple feedback methods |
• Contributors may not feel comfortable with certain feedback methods (e.g. TATs). • When using TATs, always have alternative feedback methods available (e.g. open-ended feedback sessions). • Use structured feedback methods (e.g. TATs) as a springboard for other feedback methods (e.g. open-ended discussion). |
| Good rapport |
• Establish good researcher – contributor rapport before gathering feedback. • Making contributors feel comfortable will generate more detailed feedback. • Making sure contributors have a positive PPI experience will benefit future research (e.g. with their continued involvement in other studies). |