This project is focussed on diabetic eye screening, including screening for diabetic retinopathy. It is the most frequent complication of diabetes and the leading cause of visual loss and blindness if left untreated. National screening programmes have had a large impact on improving outcomes. However, to support better implementation of screening programmes, the National Screening Committee has asked us to bring together all of the research evidence about this. At the moment, we don’t know how much evidence is available on different screening programmes, what aspects of screening programme implementation have been studied and where the gaps are.
The aims of this project are to produce a systematic evidence map that helps us to:
- Understand what key characteristics are covered in research evidence relating to the implementation of screening for diabetic eye across five nations (UK, Republic of Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand).
- Identify where the gaps in evidence are – which aspects of screening programme implementation have been adequately researched and what is missing from our evidence base.
Who is working on the project?
- Researchers at the EPPI Centre (Evidence for Policy & Practice Information Centre) at University College London (Silvy, Rachael, Alison, and Katy)
- Co-Production Collective at UCL (Vanessa, Krisztina, Niccola)
- You (if you would like to join us)
What you are looking for:
This research will be co-produced with adults (18 years and over) with lived/living experience of receiving diabetic eye screening or expertise or knowledge about implementation of diabetic eye screening or those with expertise or knowledge of different aspects of screening programme implementation.
You could be someone who can identify with one or more of the following:
- An individual with experience of diabetic retinopathy
- An individual with diabetes
- A carer of an individual with diabetes
- Someone who has been tested in a national screening programme (preferably for diabetic eye but other conditions where the invitation to be screened is based on a defined risk will be considered)
- Someone involved in delivering healthcare or implementing screening programmes (for diabetic eye or other programmes)
You do not need any existing knowledge or skills in research or evidence syntheses, but need to be willing to learn and commit time to the project. We will provide training and support in co-production and throughout the systematic mapping.
Expected commitment from participants:
What would you be doing?
We are starting at step 3 (“Screening relevant research” outlined in image 1 above) and continuing to step 6 (“Organising the findings”), we have already completed steps 1 and 2. The process may seem a little complex, but you will be supported at every step (if you would like to be), and we can agree how much and in which steps you would like to be involved based on your availability and interests. It’s about doing this together!
You will get to choose what parts of the project you work on. We will discuss ideas, suggestions, and experiences as a team. There is also the opportunity to do some hands-on research if you would like to. This will include using some specially made computer software that we will provide training for using if it is wanted.
What time commitment is required?
We expect a time commitment of 35 hours over 3 months; however, this depends on how you wish to be involved in the steps outlined above.
Commitment to inclusion:
At Co-Production Collective, we are keen to make the projects we are involved in equitable and accessible for all. These are opportunities open to all individuals support and training will be provided. We are particularly keen to recruit from groups that are typically under-represented in health research and decision-making. If there is anything we can do to make it easier for you to apply, please get in touch with Vanessa via email at v.bennett@ucl.ac.uk.
What are the potential benefits of joining the project?
In addition to working on a project that will contribute health and social care decisions in the UK, joining has many benefits:
- Remuneration according to the Co-Production Collective Payment Policy (£25 per hour)
- Receive training in co-production methodologies
- Named on the project’s annual report (if you would like to be)
- Acknowledged within sub-project reports to which you contribute
- Feature on the LACES webpage (if you would like to be)
Closing date to apply: 14th February, 12 noon
If you apply for for this role please let the organisers know that you found it via Shaping Our Lives. Thank you!
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