Shaping Child Health Research with Community Voices

Insights from Ealing parents are helping inform new research into children’s respiratory infections

Kimberley Foley, Child Population Health Researcher, recently joined local families, community partners and fellow researchers at a community research event hosted by the Imperial BRC Patient Experience Research Centre (PERC) and a Community Partner from the  Ealing Parent Carer Forum.

Held at West Acton Community Centre, the event centred on listening to parents and carers about their experiences navigating child health services. Kimberley co-led a discussion on her research into GP visits and respiratory infections in children under five—a leading reason for primary care use.

“The insights from families have already reshaped my thinking, I’m reconsidering how I ask my research questions, thanks to the lived experiences shared.” - Kimberley Foley

Parents shared how their healthcare-seeking behaviour has changed since the pandemic. They also suggested ways to make their ongoing involvement in this type of research more accessible, highlighting barriers like childcare, timing and language.

NIHR ARC NWL is proud to support work that brings lived experience into the heart of research.