Consulting with children, parents and a teacher to shape a qualitative study

This paper discusses the value of consultation in contributing to the ethical and methodological choices underpinning a qualitative study. This study explored the perceptions and experiences of children aged 4-12 years with long term conditions of being held still by adults to facilitate clinical procedures within acute health care settings. Consultation took place in three steps and involved engagement with a children's advisory group and members of the public, including parents and a teacher. This engagement shaped the focus, influenced the design and underpinned the ethical basis of the study. In addition, consultation identified that the key focus of the research was misunderstood by both potential participants and their parents.